Denver, Colorado – An Ozone Action Day Alert now stretches across Colorado’s Front Range, urging residents in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and neighboring counties to take precautions through 4 p.m. Thursday as air quality levels threaten to become unhealthy for sensitive groups.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, ozone concentrations may spike to levels that pose a risk to children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or other lung conditions, especially along the western corridor from Denver north to Larimer and Weld counties. Residents in Broomfield, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, and Douglas counties are also included in the alert, which began at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
With rising summer temperatures and light winds, ozone pollution may build up, causing breathing discomfort—particularly for active children and adults. Health officials recommend limiting heavy outdoor activity, especially during the afternoon, and urge residents to cut back on driving gas or diesel-powered vehicles until at least Thursday evening. The state is also taking steps through new policies to address persistent ozone issues.
Ozone alerts are common during Colorado’s hottest months, but levels this week could reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”—the highest so far this summer. Residents can check real-time conditions at colorado.gov/airquality.
The Ozone Action Day Alert remains in effect for the entire Front Range Urban Corridor until 4 p.m. Thursday. Updates will follow if conditions worsen.
