Glasgow, Mont. – Smoke drifting from regional wildfires will keep much of eastern Montana under a haze through Thursday, September 4, with health officials urging residents to limit time outdoors. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease face the greatest risk as air quality dips into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range.
According to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke are affecting Daniels, Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, and Valley counties. Conditions in Glendive already reached unhealthy levels for sensitive populations Wednesday morning. Areas including Glasgow, Lewistown, and Great Falls remain in the moderate range but could see changes with shifting winds.
Drivers along U.S. Highway 2 and surrounding county roads should expect reduced visibility Thursday morning as winds increase from the north at 20 to 30 mph. Gusts could reach 44 mph, creating challenging travel for high-profile vehicles and worsening air quality as smoke stirs.
Residents are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and use air filters when possible. Schools and outdoor programs across eastern Montana may need to adjust schedules if smoke thickens during the afternoon.
Relief comes by Friday with clearer skies and calmer winds, but haze could linger across valleys until the weekend.
Warnings remain in effect through Thursday morning, with updates expected if wildfire smoke persists.
Five-Day Forecast for Glasgow, MT
- Thursday: High 71°F, windy, haze in the morning, turning sunny. Low 47°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 69°F. Low 39°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 74°F. Low 45°F.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy, high near 83°F. Low 49°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 82°F.
