Smoke from several large wildfires continues to hide the skyline of Colorado Springs.

Since July 22, the city has seen the familiar sight of Pikes Peak masked as smoke from wildfires burning out-of-state and in Canada drifts across the Colorado.

While Friday’s air was a little clearer, smoke was still visible. National Weather Service Meteorologist Mark Wankowski says crystal clear skies won’t arrive until September or October, or until wildfire season comes to a close.

“We’ll see potential smoke until the wildfires are out, depending on which way the atmospheric winds are blowing,” Wankowski said.

However, Colorado Springs should see an improvement over the weekend with the help of forecasted rain and thunderstorms. The moisture will assist in improving air quality as well as getting rid of some of those smoke particulates in the air.

“Definitely we’ll see improving conditions,” Wankowski said. “But we’re never going to get rid of everything.”

The rising temperatures combined with the drifting smoke are impacting air quality in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities.

Pueblo County is current under a air quality alert due to ozone levels. The alert was issued for central and northwestern areas of the county at 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.

According to IQAir.com, the Front Range is currently in the “moderate” category (between 51 and 100 AQI). Parts of Manitou Springs reached a high of 104 AQI throughout the day Friday. In Colorado Springs, the AQI high hit 77 in some areas, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

From Sunday onwards, much of the southeastern Colorado area can expect to see a longer period of dangerous heat, according to NWS. Colorado Springs is forecasted to hit 97 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Pueblo will likely break 100 degrees a majority of the week.

Despite the decrease in visible smoke, Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director for El Paso County Public Health, still recommends the following:

• Stay informed and monitor outdoor conditions by receiving air quality alerts for your area.
• When the air quality is in an unhealthy range, limit your time outdoors. This is very important for individuals who are part of a high-risk population, those who have asthma, lung disease and heart disease.
• If you are part of the at-risk population, consider wearing an N95 mask to prevent breathing in smoke.
• Remember to protect your indoor air quality in your home. Close windows and doors and use a high-efficiency air filter in your home—use a HEPA filter or a filter rated MERV 13 or higher.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor air pollution like burning candles, using a gas stove, using aerosol sprays, vaping or smoking.

For current conditions, visit the health department’s detailed air quality summary.