Update: Ozone pollution alert in place for Central Colorado until early Friday

Published Aug 21, 2025

The National Weather Service reported an updated air quality alert at 4:11 p.m. on Thursday in effect until Friday at midnight for Central Colorado.

The NWS says to be ready for, “Ozone Action Day Alert.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Weld County

• Arapahoe County

• Douglas County

• Larimer County

• Adams County

• Jefferson County

• Broomfield County

• Boulder County

• Denver County

Air quality alerts: Recommendations from the NWS

When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial. These alerts, issued by the NWS, come with straightforward yet essential guidance to ensure your safety:

Seek shelter indoors when possible:

Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic

Minimize outdoor exposure:

When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is the name of the game.

Mitigate pollution sources:

Be mindful of activities that increase pollution, like driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using motorized vehicles. Limit their usage during air quality alerts.

Banish open burning:

Refrain from igniting fires with debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. Such practices only contribute to the problem of poor air quality.

Stay well-informed:

Keep yourself informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news station. Staying in the know ensures that you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities during air quality alerts.

Prioritize respiratory health:

If you grapple with respiratory issues or underlying health problems, exercise added caution. These conditions can render you more susceptible to the adverse effects of compromised air quality.

Following the recommendations from the NWS helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and make your health the top priority.

Source: The National Weather Service