Home / Weather / Colorado Air Alert: Smoke Advisory Issued
Colorado Air Alert: Smoke Advisory Issued
14 Mar
Summary
- Smoke advisory in effect from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning.
- Eight Colorado counties face air quality concerns.
- Vulnerable groups advised to limit outdoor activity.
An air quality alert is currently in effect for eight southeastern Colorado counties, including Kit Carson, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Crowley, Otero, Bent, Prowers, and Pueblo. This advisory began Friday afternoon and is expected to last until Saturday morning, with smoke concentrations predicted to linger. The heaviest smoke is anticipated along the lower Arkansas River Valley, impacting communities such as Las Animas and Lamar.
Residents are advised to monitor air quality, particularly if visibility decreases to less than five miles, indicating unhealthy conditions. Air pollution can lead to short-term symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing, and long-term exposure may contribute to serious health issues. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are at higher risk. Health officials recommend remaining indoors if smoke is thick and temporarily relocating if indoor smoke causes illness.
