How Long Will Smoke Fill the Colorado Front Range Sky?

It’s that hazy shade of summer in Colorado.

It’s unlike the Bangles’ “Hazy Shade of Winter.” Instead, it has become a regular summer weather pattern in the West and, sometimes, across the country—smoke-filled skies from massive fires of various origins.

Currently, at the end of July 2024, high ozone combined with smoke from wildfires in Oregon, Washington and Canada has grayed our sky and smudged out mountain views.

Expect the haze to hang around for a few more days, meteorologists say, lasting at least through Wednesday and possibly through Friday.

Get our free mobile app

While smoke has settled across the Colorado, the Front Range is seeing most of it.

With it, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and the Regional Quality Air Council issued an action day alert at least through 4 p.m. Tuesday. Sensitive people should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

RELATED: What are Fire Rainbows?

In explaining the situation, our friends at Denver 7 explained:

“The hazy skies along the Front Range aren't going away anytime soon. Experts say there's more ozone in the air than usual this summer. The worst year for ozone in the Front Range was 2021 due to wildfires. This year, however, is looking just as bad for no discernible reason.”

More than 300 fires in British Columbia and 160 wildfires across Alberta, Canada, are burning, prompting evacuations of towns and Jasper National Park.

Why does smoke travel so far?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, intense heat causes smoke to rise high in the air, where it remains until it cools and begins to descend. The higher it goes, the farther it can travel. Depending on wind patterns, it can travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles and linger for weeks.

RELATED: Some Colorado Communities Suddenly Consider Grilling Bans