Powell County, MT
Alerts
Alerts are listed in order of start time and level of severity. Click on the alert title to read details for each alert.
In effect from Sunday 07/26 8:55 AM MDT – Monday 07/27 8:55 AM MDT
Issued by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Chouteau, Granite, Hill, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Teton, Toole counties in effect until 9:00 AM on 07/27/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future.
Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke
As of 8AM on 07/26/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Hamilton and Missoula are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
As of 8AM on 07/26/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Columbia Falls, Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Libby, Malta, Sleeping Giant and Thompson Falls are Moderate.
When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion.
When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Areas Impacted
- Chouteau, MT
- Granite, MT
- Hill, MT
- Lewis and Clark, MT
- Liberty, MT
- Missoula, MT
- Pondera, MT
- Powell, MT
- Ravalli, MT
- Teton, MT
- Toole, MT
Tips to Stay Safe
When an Air Quality Alert is active for your location:
- Check the air quality levels in your area at airnow.gov.
- Limit your time outdoors, especially if you are at higher risk. This includes seniors, children, or those with asthma or other health conditions.
Briefings
From the Forecaster
Wildfire Smoke and Hot
Created by the NWS Missoula WFO
Dry conditions are expected to persist across the Northern Rockies for the foreseeable future. With deep southwesterly flow transporting smoke from active fires in Washington and Oregon, air quality will likely remain poor, and it may get worse before it gets better. We remain locked into a synoptic setup featuring elevated fire weather conditions. Specifically hot, dry, and breezy weather. This pattern continues to stream smoke into the region, degrading air quality and reducing visibility. - Stay cool and limit outdoor exposure when smoke is thickest. - Check in on vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family, especially those without air conditioning or with respiratory ailments. - Always check the back seat for pets or children.
Seven-day Weather Risk Overview
The graphic shows the daily risk summary for 7 days. Daily risk is based on highest risk factor for that day.
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