Denver, Colorado – Residents across Colorado’s Front Range are being urged to stay indoors and limit driving Saturday evening, as unhealthy ozone levels settle over the region through midnight.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, an Ozone Action Day Alert remains in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 12 a.m. Sunday for nine counties, including Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld. Air quality is expected to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”, especially in northern parts of the metro area and foothill communities.
Hot, stagnant conditions are trapping ground-level ozone, a pollutant that forms when sunlight interacts with vehicle emissions and industrial fumes. The worst impacts are expected from Boulder to Fort Collins and Greeley, where elevated ozone readings may linger through the evening.
Health officials warn that children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions like asthma may experience breathing issues or other symptoms. Limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially during the late afternoon and early evening.
To reduce pollution, residents are asked to avoid using gas-powered vehicles or equipment until midnight.
Ozone levels are expected to improve on Sunday, but state officials continue to monitor conditions. More alerts are possible later this week if high-pressure systems persist.
