Smoke will persist in areas of Colorado, with variable impacts throughout Wednesday

Smoke from out-of-state fires will continue to move into Colorado on Wednesday, mainly affecting eastern areas of the state. On Wednesday morning, surface concentrations remain in the Moderate range for many areas, with the highest numbers found on the plains and in the northeastern corner of Colorado. However higher concentrations are found in the Nebraska panhandle, and the first light images on satellite reveal the presence of smoke moving in from the northwest. The reason that the numbers shown on surface monitors do not match the location of smoke seen on satellite is because the smoke remains aloft, and has not reached the surface yet. As daytime mixing increases, we expect that smoke to be transported downward and an increase in monitored concentrations to be seen. Along with rising levels of fine particulates, degradation of visibility is also expected, causing hazy skies throughout many areas east of the Continental Divide.

The map of fine particulate concentrations from purpleair.com shows Good to Moderate impacts from wildfire smoke in areas of the Front Range, and in eastern and northeastern Colorado.

Smoke from fires in upwind states is seen in visible satellite imagery from CIRA as it is transported southward into Colorado from Wyoming (image from 8:20 am MDT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024).

Continued transport of smoke is expected throughout the day on Wednesday. While our primary area of focus for impacts from smoke is the areas on the eastern plains, similar conditions may be seen periodically along the Front Range as well. Though the surface levels may fluctuate throughout the day and affect different areas at different times, we expect Moderate conditions to be seen in widespread areas of Colorado, reaching levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups periodically.

The Air Quality Health Advisory for the eastern plains has been continued on Wednesday, and we encourage individuals who are sensitive to smoke to take health precautions to reduce exposure, and to reduce or avoid heavy exertion in all areas where smoke is present, especially areas currently under the Advisory.

As conditions continue to evolve, updates on observed impacts and future expectations will be posted.