At 4:11 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported an updated air quality alert in effect until Thursday at 9 a.m. for the Western Slope.

The NWS adds to expect, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”

“Multiple wildfires will produce periods of moderate to heavy smoke across the advisory area through early Thursday morning. The heaviest smoke impacts will likely be in close proximity to the South Rim fire in eastern Montrose County, the Sowbelly Fire and Turner Gulch fires in southern Mesa County, and areas directly downwind of the Deer Creek fire in Montrose and San Miguel counties. Thunderstorms are possible near the fires on Wednesday, and may produce gusty, erratic winds that can send smoke in any direction,” adds the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Mesa County

• San Miguel County

• Garfield County

• Montrose County

• Ouray County

• Pitkin County

• Delta County

• Gunnison County

• Eagle 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:

Retreat indoors whenever feasible:

If it’s within your means, stay indoors, especially if you have respiratory issues, health concerns, or fall within the senior or child demographics.

Trim outdoor activities to essentials:

When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.

Cut back on pollution-inducing activities:

Be conscious of activities that contribute to pollution, such as driving cars, using gas-powered lawnmowers, or relying on motorized vehicles. Curtail their use during air quality alerts.

No open burning:

Resist the urge to burn debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. This practice only adds to the air pollution problem.

Stay well-informed:

Keep yourself well-informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying in the loop empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor engagements during air quality alerts.

Respiratory health matters:

If you have respiratory issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.

By adhering to the recommendations from the NWS, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else.

Source: The National Weather Service