2026 Wildfire Outlook

Below is a month-by-month comparison of wildfire predictions within the United States for the 2026 summer season.

Wildfire potential peaks during the months of July and August, increasing the possibility for wildfire smoke and poor air quality in the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys. Although Missoula appears to stay at the normal level for wildfire risk, winds can carry smoke from neighboring states into Missoula. Learn how to stay safe by following the CDC guidelines www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html

More wildfires mean more smoke. Learning how to stay safe, cleaning your air, and about current air quality can help prevent negative health outcomes from wildfire smoke.

Western Montana wildfire prediction webinar: