The Denver Metro area currently has no air pollution advisories in effect as of 4 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025. Good to moderate air quality and visibility are expected through Saturday afternoon due to adequate atmospheric mixing and ventilation.
For a detailed statewide air quality forecast, advisories, and current conditions, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx.
The highest recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) value at 9 PM MST on February 21, 2025, was 67 for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). This indicates moderate air quality, meaning unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms. Those with cardiopulmonary disease or older adults might experience aggravation of heart or lung conditions. While the air quality is generally good, sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
The Front Range Air Quality Forecast, issued at 2:00 PM MST on February 21, 2025, predicts good ozone and carbon monoxide levels for Friday and Saturday. Fine particulate matter is expected to be in the good to moderate range on Friday and improve to good on Saturday. Nitrogen dioxide levels are anticipated to be good on both days. Good visibility is also expected on Saturday.
The Winter High Pollution Advisory Program, run by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division, issues daily air pollution forecasts from October 31st to March 31st at 4 PM. These forecasts include information about Action Days and any necessary indoor burning restrictions.
Action Days are declared when the air quality is unhealthy or expected to deteriorate, reaching unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups levels according to the Air Quality Index (AQI). They trigger mandatory restrictions on indoor burning, encouraging voluntary driving reductions, and providing public health recommendations. Specifically, only approved devices are permitted for indoor burning during Action Days. You can find a list of approved devices here: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/indoor-air-quality/approved-indoor-burning-devices.
Action Days for visibility specifically indicate poor visual air quality and lead to mandatory indoor burning restrictions and voluntary driving reductions in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/indoor-burning-restrictions. When no advisories are issued, air quality is considered good or moderate, and no restrictions are in place.
For further details on the Air Quality Index and Visibility Standard Index, please consult: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/brochure.aspx. Information regarding open burning permits and restrictions can be found at: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/burn_forecast.aspx. Remember that open burning is prohibited during Action Days. For current Front Range advisories and statewide air quality conditions, visit https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/advisory.aspx and https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/air_quality.aspx respectively. You can also stay updated via social media: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cdphe.apcd) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/cdpheapcd). To receive air quality notifications, sign up for automated email alerts from CDPHE (https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/request_alerts.aspx) or EPA’s EnviroFlash (http://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm). A well-maintained vehicle contributes to better air quality. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to minimize pollution.
