Weekend Smoke will be a Bear

This photo of a black bear was taken on Friday, and is a reminder that the bear are ferociously foraging ahead of hibernation. Metaphorically, the weekend smoke that will blow into the state is a bear. After days of clear skies, clean air, comfortable temperatures and light wind, changes are afoot. All of that wildfire smoke that's been locked up over the Pacific Coast is heading toward Montana. The smoke will become more and more visible as the weekend goes on. Highs will be in the 70s and 80s. An afternoon breeze will increase both Saturday and Sunday which will increase the fire danger. The entire weekend will be void of any rain. Next week will start off very smoky with deteriorating air quality. Monday will have high fire danger with gusty afternoon wind, warm temperatures near 90, and low humidity. Slightly cooler air will move in on Tuesday. The smoke should stick around until late in the week. The next chance for measurable precipitation may not come until next weekend.
Have a great weekend!
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist