Smoky Skies Blanket Colorado Due to Out-of-State Wildfires

Smoky skies have settled over much of Colorado this week, with hazy conditions expected to persist due to large wildfires burning in other states.

On Thursday, thick haze in Denver obscured the usually clear view of the Front Range, leaving only a faint outline of the mountains. While there’s a chance for storms in the metro area—making it a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day—meteorologists say those storms won’t do much to clear the smoke.

When Will Skies Clear?

According to FOX31 Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels, skies may appear slightly clearer later in the day as warmer temperatures create air movement. But overnight and early mornings are likely to remain smoky, as cooler, stable air traps smoke close to the ground and low winds allow it to settle.

That pattern explains why many Denver residents noticed the smell of smoke early Thursday. As daytime heat builds, it stirs up the atmosphere and increases wind, improving air quality slightly—though not enough to make a big difference.

More Smoke Ahead for Colorado

Forecast models don’t show much relief in sight. Thursday afternoon, the heaviest smoke is expected in the Denver metro area, northward, and along the I-25 corridor and eastern plains. Even the typically clearer high country is forecast to see reduced visibility.

By the weekend, smoky conditions will spread across nearly the entire state. The only exceptions might be the far southeast and southwest corners, which could see lighter smoke Friday around noon. But by early Saturday, most of Colorado is expected to experience moderate to extreme smoke levels.

Where Is the Smoke Coming From?

The majority of the smoke is drifting into Colorado from large wildfires in Utah and Arizona, carried northeast by prevailing winds.

Monroe Canyon Fire (Utah): Nearly 50,000 acres burned, 11% contained
Dragon Bravo Fire (Arizona): Over 105,000 acres burned, 9% contained

Both states are under Red Flag warnings, with dry and windy conditions likely to fuel more fire activity.

Colorado itself has a few smaller wildfires, including:

Turner Gulch Fire (Western Slope): 20,000+ acres burned, 51% contained
Deer Creek Fire (crossed from Utah): 17,700 acres burned, 85% contained

Air Quality Concerns

Denver’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 58–60 on Thursday—considered moderate—but is expected to worsen slightly over the weekend. Health experts recommend:

Reducing outdoor activity, especially for sensitive groups
Wearing masks outside
Running air purifiers indoors
Keeping windows closed

If you’re in Colorado, plan for several more days of hazy skies and keep an eye on local forecasts and air quality alerts.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.

Katie Baylett

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.