Smoke gradually decreasing in most areas

Some promising trends are in the forecast as we close out the weekend. As stated in yesterday's post (see below), the upper level winds are transporting the heaviest smoke to the north of Colorado. Additionally, afternoon showers and thunderstorms are starting to increase with monsoonal moisture being pumped into the state. This combination will result in particle pollution levels continuing to gradually decrease. Currently, a light haze hangs over most of the state with moderate levels of particle pollution (PM2.5).

Air quality monitors showing moderate levels of particle pollution throughout Colorado. Image and data courtesy of EPA's Fire and Smoke Map

There are a few areas that may receive a little heavier smoke from time to time. Local fires such as the Gold Mountain fire and the Elk fire still have hot spots and will produce locally heavy smoke at times. The I-25 urban corridor near Denver, Boulder, and Ft. Collins is still under an advisory for both ozone and smoke until 4pm Sunday, but smoke levels are also decreasing in this area. 

Two other areas could also get some quick hits of heavier smoke from upwind fires over the next day or two. These include the northeastern plains of Colorado and parts of far west-central and southwestern Colorado. This is something to keep in mind around Julesburg, Ft. Morgan, Grand Junction, Montrose, and Durango.