Smoke Set to Arrive in Colorado Today

Moderate to heavy smoke has blanketed much of North America this week, and today Colorado is expected to join the party. The ridge of high pressure which has been situated over the western United States will shift eastward towards Colorado today. 

Smoke will begin to trickle in to northwestern Colorado by late Thursday morning, and continue spreading eastward as the day goes on. The majority of smoke will remain in the upper atmosphere, although some will mix down to the surface. Hazy skies are likely across much of northern and western Colorado. Light to moderate smoke is possible Thursday in northwest Colorado, especially Steamboat Springs, Craig, and Meeker. 

No major public health impacts are expected today, but if you are unusually sensitive to smoke, you may consider limiting your time outdoors, and avoid heavy exercise if possible.

To stay up-to-date on smoke levels in your area, see CDPHE's monitoring network, EPA's fire and smoke map, or Purple Air.

EPA's fire and smoke map shows moderate to heavy smoke across a large area of the western United States. (Source: www.fire.airnow.gov)