The wildfires burning in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona (among others) were again active over the weekend, and will remain a concern this week. Air Quality Health Advisories for Wildfire Smoke will continue. While smoke production, transport, and its impact on public health is our main focus, it is not the only factor that we will contend with this week.
Last week was filled with Red Flag warnings and persistent high winds that allowed fires to grow to the size we now see. This week will have different elements to consider. Over the next several days we will see an increase in moisture in our region, and also an increase in temperature.
More moisture in the atmosphere means that chances for storms will increase through midweek in many locations. This sounds encouraging, however this may not deliver the overall relief that we would like to see. On Monday storms are favored in southwestern and central Colorado, possibly having an influence on he Ferris Fire, or perhaps the Gold Mountain Fire. These will likely remain isolated and scattered, with limited chance for beneficial wetting rain.
Tuesday and Wednesday see similar activity in the western half of the state, with better likelihood for more widespread and vigorous storms over the eastern Rockies and along the Front Range. This may influence the Aspen Acres Fire.
We sincerely hope that well-placed rainfall will help in fire suppression efforts and reduce fire intensity. However we must remain aware that thunderstorms also produce lightning and gusty winds- factors that hold concern for new starts, invigoration of fire activity, and unpredictable movement of smoke. Please keep this in mind; hope for rain but remain weary of potential negative outcomes.
Another compounding factor for both fire behavior and public health is the heat. A ridge of high pressure will be over the region, meaning that many locations will see high temps in the 90s for most of the week. Health impacts due to heat stress alone can be worrisome, and when combined with poor air quality, concerns are heightened. Please stay hydrated and cool to the best of your ability. Remain indoors and reduce exertion if possible, and be prepared to take action to counter negative health effects from these conditions, especially if you are predisposed to these impacts.
We will continue with updates and Advisories, aiming to help inform you of the most likely areas impacted by smoke, but we urge folks in all areas of Colorado to stay informed and stay safe from all potential health impacts.
No comments:
Post a Comment