Smoke from wildfires burning in southern California, Idaho and Oregon is expected to drift over Colorado in the next two days, causing hazy skies and potential health hazards for people with respiratory conditions.
Smoke from the three major California wildfires is already drifting across Nevada, Arizona and Utah and will arrive on Colorado’s Western Slope by Wednesday night, state Public Health and Environment officials said on the Colorado Smoke Blog.
National Weather Service forecasts show wildfire smoke spreading across a large swath of the state, including metro Denver.
👀Incoming Smoke: We’ll see some smoke from #CaliforniaFires arrive late tonight, but a thicker plume arrives late tomorrow afternoon and evening. That latter plume of smoke originates from the active CA fires later today. #COwx pic.twitter.com/5dOi22M1ti
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 11, 2024
A low-pressure system will push additional smoke into the area Thursday, and Coloradans can expect hazy skies and moderate smoke on Thursday, though wind should limit some smoke accumulation, according to state officials.
Wildfire smoke from Idaho and Oregon could also impact northwest Colorado on Thursday night.
“Although health advisories are not necessarily imminent, residents who are especially sensitive to wildfire smoke (asthma, COPD, etc.) should start making preparations now to limit exertion and outdoor activity starting Thursday and continuing into Friday,” state public health officials said Wednesday.
Public health leaders hope the same storm system bringing the smoke to Colorado will also bring cooler temperatures and “less-dry” air to the wildfires, decreasing smoke production and improving Colorado air quality.
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