Smoke versus storms

There were definitely some concerns for heavy smoke across northwestern Colorado yesterday.  Fortunately, fine particulate concentrations across the region have remained at moderate levels.  Consequently, the Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke will be allowed to expire at 9am Wednesday.

No doubt there is still plenty of smoke high up in the atmosphere over western Colorado.  However, we also anticipate a surge in moisture across the region today. There should be enough turbulence in the atmosphere along with shower and thunderstorm activity to prevent smoke from getting too heavy.  So if you reside in Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Telluride, or nearly anywhere else west of the Continental Divide, expect moderate levels of "nuisance" smoke today.  If you are especially sensitive to wood smoke, please continue to take action to protect your health.

Smoke aloft in the atmosphere over the Four Corners region on Wednesday morning.  Image courtesy of Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere