Missoula Smoke Plume Pictures

A new weather system moving into Montana is bringing with it estimated 30 MPH winds. Not good for firefighters but good for the mountain valley residents who for some time have been suffering from smoky skies. In some areas the air was termed unhealthy for children, the elderly and anyone with respiratory problems.

The Mustang Complex of fires in the Salmon ID area have been the major contributors to our smoky air.  The National Weather Service says those fires took off overnight but the wind shift is now pushing the smoke into SW Montana.

As you look at the picture you’ll notice some colors in the Missoula area. The Weather Service says most of that is ground clutter with some smoke mixed in. The big colored area near Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint is a mass of clouds with some light rain.