Thunderstorms blowing smoke from neighboring wildfires prolong moderate air quality in Aspen 

The air quality index in Aspen was expected to stay at moderate levels throughout Wednesday and part of Thursday, thanks in part to thunderstorms blowing smoke erratically from the fires burning in Mesa, Montrose, and San Miguel counties. 

According to Kris Sanders, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Grand Junction, Wednesday afternoon wind gusts around the fires have increased over the past couple of days from 10-20 miles per hour to 30-45 miles per hour. 

“When you’re starting to increase the wind speed, that is helping the fire, accelerating the fire, allowing it to spread fast,” Sanders said. “That’s why we’re getting the copious amounts of smoke.”

The AQI is measured based on the size and type of pollutants in the air. These values change regularly, and so AQI alerts are issued more on a day to day basis. According to Sanders, the parts of Colorado experiencing wildfires and smoke are expected to get more moisture and possible rain starting Thursday, which may help dampen the smoke and possibly help with wildfire containment. 

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment alert, thick smoke, especially if it limits visibility to less than five miles, can be considered unhealthy. The CDPHE recommends considering lowering outdoor physical exertion or staying indoors until AQI improves, especially for those with heart disease, respiratory illness, very young people, and the elderly.