Colorado is grappling with a triple threat—dangerous heat, extreme fire weather, and smoky skies—triggering multiple severe weather alerts across the Western Slope, Front Range, and Eastern Plains this week.
Heat Wave Breaks Records
Temperatures across Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins are expected to soar to 100°F on Wednesday and Thursday, with Denver potentially tying its Aug. 6 record set in 1980. Thursday could break the Aug. 7 heat record of 99°F, also set in 1980.
In southern parts of the state:
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El Paso, Pueblo, and Fremont counties will feel like 95–104°F
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Crowley, Otero, Bent, and Prowers counties may see heat indexes of 100–107°F
A heat advisory is in effect, and officials urge residents to:
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Stay hydrated
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Avoid direct sunlight
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Use air conditioning when possible
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Check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives
Wildfire Danger Escalates
Red flag warnings are active daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday in many parts of the state due to:
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Wind gusts up to 35 mph
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Humidity levels as low as 8%
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Dry vegetation and record temperatures
Affected regions include:
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Western Slope: Moffat, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Delta, Mesa, Montrose, Gunnison, Eagle, and San Miguel counties
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Front Range & Mountains: Boulder, Larimer, Grand, Jackson, Park, Lake, Chaffee, and Summit counties
“Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread,” warns the NWS. Residents are advised to avoid any outdoor burning or spark-producing activities.
Smoke Advisory from Active Wildfires
Thick smoke from the Elk and Lee Fires in Rio Blanco County is creating hazardous air quality across much of Colorado. The smoke drifts eastward each afternoon, settling over the plains by evening.
A statewide air quality health advisory is active until Thursday afternoon, with “moderate to heavy smoke” affecting:
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Metro Denver & Front Range: Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, Adams, Broomfield, Larimer, Weld
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Mountains & Western Slope: Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Rio Blanco, Routt, Dolores, Grand, Jackson, Gilpin
If visibility drops below 5 miles, air quality is unhealthy, especially for people with heart or respiratory conditions. Everyone is advised to stay indoors when smoke levels rise.
Stay tuned to local alerts, limit outdoor activities, and take precautions as Colorado continues to battle a dangerous mix of extreme weather conditions.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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