MISSOULA — Thursday will basically be a repeat of everyday this week. Highs in the 70s to low 80s with widespread smoke and haze.
Friday will remain smoky, however, there could be some clearing by the afternoon as a cold front approaches the region. This expected clearing will allow for more of the suns heat to reach the surface of the earth. For this reason expect the warmest day Friday with highs ranging from the low to upper 80s.
Widespread light rain is expected Friday night through Saturday for all of western Montana. Amounts of one tenth to a quarter inch seems likely for valley locations with a bit more possible in the mountains. This storm system should allow for improvements in wildfire smoke, however, with how much smoke is currently moving in from California, hazy skies look to stick around.
By the start of next week models are showing a ridge of high pressure rebuilding over the western US. This pattern may be favorable to reintroduce smoke from wildfires in California and Oregon.
