Air Quality Forecast For Metro Denver, Boulder

Metro Denver and Boulder saw a break from ozone and wildfire smoke warnings over the weekend, but by Wednesday, air quality had diminished, and pollution warnings have been extended through Friday. Smoke is continuing to flow into the region from in-state and out-of-state wildfires.

The worst air quality is expected along the I-25 corridor from Denver to Fort Collins, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Most of Denver's metro area is under the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' air quality rating, but regions north of Denver have reached the 'unhealthy' category, which means everyone is affected by the poor air quality, public health officials said.

Visibility along the Front Range is expected to be 'poor' or 'extremely poor' Friday.

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Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the 'good to moderate range' Friday, so unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Fine particular matter concentrations are also expected to be in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' or 'unhealthy' range Friday.

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels are expected to remain in the 'good' category Friday, health officials said.

Dry, warm conditions are expected to spread smoke from the Middle Fork fire near Steamboat Springs and the massive Cameron Peak wildfire in Larimer County.

>> Read the full air quality advisory here.