Wildfires still burning, moderate smoke impacts expected through the weekend

Many areas of Colorado have noticed the presence of wildfire smoke this week, with hazy skies and Moderate particulate concentrations. Unfortunately, this is expected to continue through the coming weekend. Fire activity in Colorado has remained moderate, with the primary influence being from the Turner Gulch Fire in southern Mesa County. However the Monroe Canyon fire in central Utah and the Dragon Bravo fire in Arizona have continued to display active fire behavior, and are expected to remain this way during the coming weekend. 

Map from fire.airnow.gov shows the location of several fires in the western U.S., with smoke plumes extending over Colorado. Air quality monitors show Moderate (yellow) smoke impacts.

Upper level transport winds are expected to shift, becoming more west-to-east in orientation throughout the weekend. This will bring smoke from fires more directly into Colorado, likely continuing the Moderate impacts that have been seen this week.

Resulting impacts will depend on just how active the fires are, the direction and altitude of smoke transport, and how deep atmospheric mixing is in areas where the plumes traverse. As always we will keep a close watch on air quality conditions and will send messaging and alerts (if needed) to keep you informed. We also encourage folks to take note of conditions in your location, and take the steps most appropriate for your situation to minimize effects of smoke exposure.