Air quality in Butte-Silver Bow is unhealthy. Those with heart and lung disease could see aggravation in symptoms, and there are increased respiratory effects in the general population. Bottom line: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. West-central Montana is getting hit by smoke from here in Montana and the Pacific Northwest today, which is causing widespread unhealthy air quality. No significant improvement is expected today or tomorrow, with conditions possibly degrading further by tomorrow morning. There is hope for some improvement on Thursday. Increased winds and the ridge breaking down should help clear out some valleys. Unfortunately, with limited precipitation and high winds expected, area fires will likely see increased activity and more smoke production.