Air quality in much of western Montana improved Friday as winds from the south pushed smoke into northwest Montana and Canada. Storms expected through early next week should mitigate smoke impacts in places where rain falls.
Air quality is "Moderate" in the Flathead Valley, Libby, Frenchtown, and Missoula. Montana DEQ predicts weekend air quality to range from "Moderate" to "Good" in most places, with northwest Montana facing the most significant smoke impacts.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to develop this afternoon across southwestern Montana and north-central Idaho. Brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds will be the major concerns. Coverage will increase for Saturday to encompass much of western Montana and central Idaho. These storms will likely contain more rain, increasing the potential for ponding on roadways, as well as rock and mudslides over recent burn scars. Frequent lightning will also be a major threat with these storms tomorrow.