Here comes the smoke... and heat. This week, much of the western US has experienced extreme heat, and thick smoke. A high pressure ridge situated over the West has been the primary cause of this unrelenting weather. That ridge is moving into Colorado, bringing a heat wave and smoky skies.
On Friday, smoke is expected to move into northern and western Colorado. While most of this smoke will remain in the upper atmosphere, some may mix down to the surface, primarily in northern Colorado. Light to moderate smoke is possible in counties along the Colorado/ Wyoming border. However, most locations will notice hazy skies with limited impacts to air quality.
Smoke is expected to increase this weekend throughout the entire Front Range. Light to moderate smoke is possible from Fort Collins to Pueblo on Saturday. Currently, no major public health impacts are expected, but CDPHE will issue and Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke if conditions worsen.
In addition to the smoke, much of eastern Colorado will experience temperatures above 100 degrees this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for many counties on the Front Range and the eastern Plains.
Very hot temperatures along with smoke may exacerbate health issues in sensitive individuals. If you are sensitive to either heat or smoke, reduce your time outdoors, if possible. CDPHE's website has information for how to protect your health during extreme heat and how to protect your health during a wildfire smoke event.
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