Wildfire smoke continues to increase

Smoke has arrived to the northeastern plains of Colorado.  Moderate to heavy smoke has been observed across the northeastern corner of the state.  Fortunately, as we stated in our last post, we don't expect this smoke to be around for an extended period of time.  A cold front later on this evening should usher in some cleaner air overnight and air quality should be improved in places like Julesburg, Sterling, Ft. Morgan, and Akron by Friday morning.  In the meantime, reducing exertion is probably a good idea for the remainder of today.  This is especially true if you suffer from heart or lung ailments.

Hazy skies and poor visibility in Akron, Colorado Thursday afternoon.  Webcam image is courtesy of Viaero Wireless Weather Cameras

Meanwhile, smoke is also increasing further west along the northern Front Range urban corridor.  Fine particle concentrations are increasing in Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Ft. Collins, Greeley, and other areas along and near Interstate 25.  Combined with typical urban pollution, both ozone and fine particulate concentrations are inching towards the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.  Therefore, an Action Day for Multiple Pollutants has been issued for the northern Front Range. We anticipate both ozone and fine particulates to be elevated through this evening, so avoiding prolonged or heavy exertion is recommended through late tonight. By tomorrow (Friday), ozone will likely decrease somewhat with cooler air rushing in behind the cold front.  However, fine particle concentrations could remain elevated for a longer period of time.  Health impacts from prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can linger even after the air quality improves, so it may be a good idea to plan on reducing exertion through at least tomorrow afternoon.

Haze over the Denver skyline from the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division web camera

We are also closely monitoring other parts of Colorado for increasing wildfire smoke.  East-central and southeastern parts of the state, including Burlington, Lamar, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo could see an increase in particle pollution overnight tonight and continue into the Friday morning commute.  The same can be said for northwestern parts of the state with the possibility for a larger smoke intrusion tomorrow afternoon in places like Steamboat Springs and Granby. More information to follow as this situation continues to evolve.