While air quality has improved, localized smoke impacts remain a concern, especially in areas adjacent to active wildfires. The recent lightning storms increase the likelihood of new fire starts, posing risks to communities near forested regions. The strongest storms forecasted for Thursday and Friday may bring heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds, which could exacerbate fire behavior in some areas. Residents in central and western Montana should remain vigilant as conditions can change rapidly. The return of high pressure over the weekend may lead to smoke from wildfires in Washington and Oregon drifting back into Montana.