Denver’s air quality today is in the moderate range, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 81 for fine particulate matter reported around 7 AM MDT. Visibility across the metro area is somewhat reduced, with hazy skies due to wildfire smoke drifting from active fires in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The National Weather Service and state agencies have confirmed most of the smoke is aloft, but there are still concerns for sensitive populations. People with heart or lung conditions, older adults, and children should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

The recent weather trend shows Denver’s AQI fluctuating between around 50 and 80 in the past several days, reflecting a mix of local and external wildfire influences. While a grass fire in Arvada occurred yesterday, local meteorologists report that it is not significantly impacting Denver’s air; the haze is almost entirely coming from outside the region. According to satellite imagery, conditions are expected to gradually improve through the weekend as smoke moves south and clears from the Front Range.

On Colorado’s Western Slope, air quality remains in the healthy or “green” category, since wildfire smoke there is staying higher in the atmosphere and not affecting ground-level conditions. The Denver-Boulder corridor is currently experiencing the worst air quality in the state, with elevated PM2.5 concentrations driven primarily by long-range transport of wildfire particles.

There is a health advisory for portions of northwestern and north-central Colorado regarding wildfire smoke. For Denver specifically, no surface-level air quality advisories are currently in effect, but officials continue to monitor updates and encourage residents to stay informed.

For those concerned, staying indoors during smoky periods, using air filters, or following public health guidance can help minimize exposure. Denver’s air quality is likely to improve as the weekend progresses, but today, moderate levels of wildfire smoke should prompt precautions among sensitive groups.

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