Why Is It Smoky in Colorado Right Now?

If it seems like the Colorado skies have been a little dull the past few days, your eyes are not deceiving you. Speaking of eyes, they might be itching and watering, and it's probably not allergies. There is smoke in the air.

Why Colorado Skies Look Smoky Right Now

There is a faint smell of smoke in the air; however, there are only a few small wildfires burning in the state. So, where is all the smoke coming from?

A lot of people have taken to social media to see if there is a new wildfire that has popped up in Colorado. The smoke in the sky you are seeing is from large wildfires in neighboring states.

READ MORE: Coloradans Are at an Increased Risk of Dementia Because of Smoke

According to KDVR, two large wildfires in the state of Utah are producing the majority of the smoke you are seeing in Northern Colorado. The Cottonwood Fire has burned more than 30,000 acres, and the Iron Fire has burned 26,000 acres.

Nevada also has numerous smaller wildfires burning in the eastern part of the state, and the heavy smoke is drifting into Colorado. Other parts of Colorado are seeing worse air quality in the sky.

Colorado Air Quality Advisories Issued for Smoke and Ozone

The Colorado Department of Health and Public Safety Environment has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory on Tuesday for a majority of the counties in Southwest Colorado.

READ MORE: These 14 Colorado Counties Received an ‘F’ Grade for Air Quality

Northern Colorado counties and the Denver Metro Area are under an ozone action day.