Smoke arriving from out-of-state on Thursday

Smoke from fires in areas upwind from Colorado is now making its way toward, and into Colorado. Surface concentrations are currently in the Moderate category in most areas of Colorado, however the numbers have climbed in areas just to our north and east throughout the morning, and the this trend is expected to be seen in eastern Colorado as the day progresses.

Satellite image of the western United States shows a large plume of smoke across many states, reaching from the Pacific Northwest into Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska. This smoke will make its way into Colorado on Thursday afternoon (smoke plume and likely path of travel indicated by red arrow). Image courtesy of RAMMB/CIRA.

Increases in particulate concentrations will be seen first in the far northeastern portions of the state as surface smoke moves in, and daytime mixing of the atmosphere draws smoke aloft down to ground-level. Locations such as Sterling and Fort Morgan will be the first to notice this change.

Winds out of the north-northeast will then push the smoke further to the south and west. This will likely produce hazy skies and elevated particulate concentrations in many areas of eastern Colorado, including the Front Range.

Currently we do not expect that any Air Quality Health Advisories or Action Days will be necessary. Models and observations both indicate that the smoke plume is relatively concentrated, meaning that once the densest portion of the plume moves through, concentrations are likely to decrease once again. However in the short-term, we expect particulate levels to increase on Thursday afternoon and evening before relief arrives on Friday. If conditions worsen further than we expect them to, we will be watching closely and will issue Advisories as needed.

Folks who are sensitive to smoke and particulate pollution should begin taking steps to avoid exposure and reduce potential health impacts now. Helpful tips and actions can be found on our Smoke and Health page.

Stay informed by checking in here and on CDPHE's webpage for information regarding advisories. You can also see the location of the smoke plume and surface observations at EPA's Fire and Smoke Map.