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Colorado Springs weather: Another Heat Advisory, more wildfire smoke Thursday

Colorado Springs weather

More smoke and heat is expected across the Pikes Peak Region Thursday as morning temperatures quickly rise, prompting another Heat Advisory for most of the day.

There will be “dangerous” heat levels across portions of the southeast plains for today and Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo. The high temperatures could break record highs for Thursday, which is 97 degrees for Colorado Springs.

The heat advisory will start at 11 a.m. as temperatures “soar” into the 90s and stay there all afternoon, according to Gazette news partner KOAA. The advisory won’t be finished until 8 p.m.

“You’ll also see haze and smoke from several large ongoing wildfires in western Colorado and other western states. This will lead to moderate impacts to air quality,” said KOAA Meteorologist Casey Dorn. “It’s important to check on people and pets today.”

Older adults, children and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat, according to the Ready Campaign, a national public service campaign created in 2003.

The organization’s website states to not rely on a fan for primary cooling, as they do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. It also advises to cover windows, weather-strip doors and windows and insulate your house as much as possible.

“Remember not to leave children or pets in the car – you can remember this by leaving a stuffed animal in the passenger seat to remind you to check the rear seats,” Dorn said. “Also, on the pet front – to test if it’s too hot for a walk, put your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your furry friend’s paws.”

As of 7 a.m., air quality is moderate, according to government air quality monitoring website AirNow. Moderate means people unusually sensitive to particle pollution should consider reducing activity levels and shortening the amount of time outdoors. Air quality is expected to remain moderate all of Thursday.

Gusty winds and low humidity levels along with the heat has led to Critical Fire Weather conditions for portions of the Continental Divide and mountain valley locations, according to the NWS. Closest to Colorado Springs, Cañon City and other portions of west Colorado are under a red flag warning Thursday.

High pressure will continue to push down on the air Friday, leading to another hot day, Dorn said. The record high at the Colorado Springs airport for Friday is 96 degrees, and Dorn expects it will be broken tomorrow. Another Heat Advisory will be in effect.

Temperatures will cool Friday night as a cold front rolls in and provides “modest” relief Saturday as highs fall to the upper 80s and smoke thins, according to Dorn.

Here’s the forecast from the National Weather Service for the weekend:

Saturday: The chance for rain will be 30% after noon. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 88 degrees. Headed into the night, skies will turn cloudy, and temperatures will drop to a low around 55 degrees. Rainfall amounts to less than a tenth of an inch.

Sunday: There will be a 40% chance of rain after noon, making it the highest chance of rainfall for the whole week. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 82 degrees. At night, the chance for rain and storms drops. Skies will be mostly cloudy, and temperatures will drop to around 53 degrees.


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