Increasing smoke statewide expected for the start of the week

 Unfortunately it is becoming increasingly likely that large parts of Colorado will see a noticeable increase in ground-level smoke concentrations over the next 24-36 hours.  To start, surface smoke levels across the northern plains states will be pushed into northeastern Colorado along with locations further southward along the Kansas stateline during the afternoon hours on Sunday.  The good news in these areas that we are also anticipating showers and thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, so smoke will be disbursed and have difficulty getting established due to the unsettled weather.

Canadian wildfire smoke surging into the northern plains states with data provided from the Environmental Protection Agency's Fire and Smoke Map

By Monday, a large increase in smoke aloft high up in the atmosphere is expected across large parts of the state.  This smoke could be noticeable early in the day across the north-central mountains of Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park, with the smoke increasing across lower elevation locations during the late morning and afternoon hours.  The heaviest smoke on Monday is expected across the eastern half of the state and could reach advisory levels, so making preparations now for degraded air quality is a good idea.  This is especially true for those that suffer from heart or lung ailments.  First and foremost, if you would like to spend some time outdoors, Sunday is without a doubt your best option for the next several days.  Additionally, checking out Wildfire smoke and health page is a good way to start planning for how to best protect your health as air quality starts to go downhill.

Sunday morning visible satellite image reveals heavy smoke extended from Canada southward into the northern plains states.