More smoke arriving later this week

 Many large wildfires are burning in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Smoke from these fires could begin to impact northeastern Colorado by Thursday afternoon.

A heavy blanket of smoke is visible over western Canada and the northwestern United States. This smoke could move into Colorado by Thursday afternoon. Image courtesy of CIRA-RAMMB.

In the Pacific Northwest, particulate matter is in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy Range today. Some smoke has made its way into Colorado, but particulate matter is in the Good to Moderate range today. Tomorrow, particulate matter could increase as the smoke to our north begins to push south.

By Thursday afternoon, the wind will begin to increase. Northerly winds will push smoke into northeastern Colorado. Smoke will hit Fort Collins, Greeley, Fort Morgan, Sterling, and Julesburg first. Then, it will continue to move south, hitting Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Particulate Matter concentrations will increase as the smoke moves in. If you are sensitive to smoke, take steps to protect your health on Thursday.

Visit the Idaho Smoke Blog or the Washington Smoke Blog for more information on smoke in the Pacific Northwest.

CDPHE is monitoring the situation and will issue an Air Quality Health Advisory if necessary.