MISSOULA — A ridge continues to shift over Montana this weekend.
Sunshine and warmer weather are a result of this area of high pressure taking hold of our state.
The wind will shift out of the southwest bringing in the warmer air, but this also means our upper level atmosphere has almost a direct line to California, Washington, and Oregon.
These states have major wildfires burning right now which are producing a lot of wildfire smoke.
This smoke will be able to travel into our area due to this shift in winds and the ridge setup.
So not only will air from the southwest bring in warm, dry air this weekend, it will also bring in wildfire smoke from other states.
This means while we are expecting dry and sunny days, wildfire smoke overhead will settle into our area and create times of fluctuating air quality this weekend.
If you are sensitive to smoke, you may have to sit out this weekend’s hike.
Next week this ridge breaks down.
Cooler and wetter air enter into the forecast.
Monday will still be warm and hazy, but afternoon clouds will start to develop.
Our next chances of rain return to the forecast in the form of isolated showers Tuesday afternoon.
