Smoke from New Mexico wildfire moving into Colorado

DENVER ? It?s a hazy Saturday across much of Colorado, including the mountains and the Front Range.

Strong southwesterly winds are carrying smoke and ash from a large wildfire burning in New Mexico?s Gila National Forest through the region.

Denver?s air quality is considered ?moderate? as a result, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The next update will be issued at 4 p.m.

Blowing dust is likely this afternoon, as well, as stronger winds are expected to develop. A Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect for western Colorado, the San Luis Valley and portions of eastern Colorado. Read the advisory here.

Resources:

CDPHE Air Quality updates

Official Wildfire Updates

Satellite Analysis of Smoke of the U.S.

The health department issued the following statement regarding the wildfires burning in the region:

If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood due to a wildfire or controlled burn, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy. If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill.

Along the Front Range, gusty winds and hot conditions mark Saturday?s weather.?

A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for the Eastern Plains Saturday. Gusts?to 45 mph are possible, and those winds will send the high temperatures up around 90 degrees.??

A front swings through Saturday night and high temperatures will drop back into the mid 70s for Sunday and may bring a couple of showers as well, according to Meteorologist Nick Carter.

Memorial Day is looking sunny and comfortable with highs in the mid to upper 70s. ?

More stormy skies and cooler temperatures return by the middle of next week.

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