MONDAY AIR QUALITY ALERT: All of SW Montana

It's no secret that air quality has been extremely poor for days in Gallatin County and surrounding areas. (Saturday night reached dangerous levels for several hours, by the way.)

Dozens of wildfires in various western states are to blame for the smokey, hazy air that at times completely blocks the view of surrounding mountains.

Such conditions are unpleasant for most of us, but for some with underlying health issues the particulate laden air can be quite harmful.

Conditions for various counties can change in a matter of a few hours. Better safe than sorry...if you are in poor health or suffer from breathing issues, be very careful with your activity levels.

According to the National Weather Service: AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT.

• The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, Missoula, Park, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties, in effect until further notice.
• An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedence of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard has occurred or may occur in the near future.
• As of 9 AM, Particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
• As of 9 AM, Particulate levels in Billings, Birney, Bozeman, Broadus, Butte, Helena, Missoula, Seeley Lake, West Yellowstone 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