The 2026 Wildfire and Smoke Outlook was simulcast live from Kalispell, Missoula and online via Zoom on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 during Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week to learn what to expect for the upcoming wildfire season in western Montana. 75 people attended. A video recording of the event is posted on Climate Smart Glacier’s YouTube page.
The community forum was hosted by Climate Smart Glacier and Climate Smart Missoula and co-sponsored by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, FireSafe Flathead, Montana Climate Office, and Missoula Public Health. During the event, CSG announced the designation of three Clean Air Centers in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls.
Following our abnormally warm winter and below-average snowpack at low and mid-elevations, many in the region have been asking what this summer may bring. The forum featured panelists who sorted through up-to-date weather and climate projections and shared tips for how best to prepare for wildfires and accompanying smoke.
Panelists included:
- Moderator Adam de Yong Climate Smart Glacier
- Alex Lukinbeal – Meteorologist, National Weather Service (Missoula)
- Kyle Bocinsky – Montana Climate Office at the University of Montana
- Mike West – U.S. Forest Service and FireSafe Flathead
- Amy Cilimburg – Climate Smart Missoula
Program Summary: As of June 9, the severity of wildfires in western Montana this summer is projected to be near normal due to relatively high precipitation since October 2025, despite low winter snowpack, especially at low and mid elevations characterized primarily by winter rains. Smoke intensity could be higher than normal due to drought and fire-prone conditions in many areas of northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia. Wild card factors include the emerging El Niño cycle, the potential for severe lightning due to anticipated monsoon storm patterns, and an extended forecast from the National Weather Service for a summer that is hotter and drier than normal. Current and projected conditions for 2026 are a preview of what to expect mid-century due to a warming and more energetic global climate system. Panelists discussed strategies for households and communities to reduce risks to health and property from wildfires and smoke.