A mixed bag for Colorado air quality for the 4th of July holiday

Wildfire smoke will remain a health concern, unfortunately, for many parts of Colorado during the 4th of July holiday. However, for some locations the air quality is improving. Let's break it down.

We will start with the areas of concern. The newest Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke stretches across southern parts of Colorado from the Four Corners region in southwest Colorado, eastward to the Pueblo area. This is due to continued smoke from the Babylon fire, the Ferris fire, the Gold Mountain fire, and the Aspen Acres fire. All of these fires are capable of producing massive amounts of smoke and could impact areas downwind (to the east of the fires). Outdoor plans for the 4th should take this into account in Montrose, Gunnison, Silverton, Lake City, Saguache, Alamosa, Salida, Pueblo, and surrounding areas. Also keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds could push smoke in unpredictable directions Saturday afternoon and evening, particuarly near the Aspen Acres fire in Custer and Pueblo counties.

There is some good news to report. Areas further to the north which were blanketed with smoke during much of the workweek are seeing some relief. Expect an improvement in air quality today in Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, and Colorado Springs. But please be mindful that the recent prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can have lingering health impacts. 

Hazy skies Saturday morning looking west from Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, courtesy of FAA weathercams.