Skip to Content

Wildfire Smoke or Dust?

5-9 fire wx

If you have stepped outside today you have probably noticed how hazy it is on the horizon. Or maybe you've noticed your eyes and throat are a little extra scratchy. We can thank to the dust lurking at the surface all across Colorado today. Most of the dust is from other particulates streaming in from northwest New Mexico and some sand and dirt from S Colorado, around the Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park. Why? A large, very slow-moving, low pressure center positioned over Oregon is increasing winds out of the southwest which is the main culprit pulling in all this poor air quality.

A brief shift in surface winds will help clear the air a little bit on Tuesday; however, the dirt and dust return on Wednesday and will likely linger into early Friday before we get some relief.

Strong winds and critical fire weather ahead for Monday. and lasting through most of the week

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy and mild overnight. AM lows in the mid and upper-40s.

TOMORROW: Partly sunny with highs unseasonably warm in the 70's and 80's. East winds will help to flush some of the dust and haze for a brief period of time. Gusty winds between 30-40 mph will yield high fire danger for most all of southern Colorado.

EXTENDED:  Hazy skies make a comeback on Wednesday and Thursday with a return to southwest winds. We'll be warm and at least breezy through the end of the work week. High temperatures will drop back into the mid and upper-70s by Friday

Article Topic Follows: Weather

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Merry Matthews

Merry is KRDO’s chief meteorologist. Learn more about Merry here.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content