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Lots of smoke and haze over Denver and much of Colorado

Thunderstorms possible across the state Tuesday
Posted at 5:35 AM, Aug 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-20 20:49:29-04

DENVER — Skies over Denver and across much of northern Colorado have been very hazy and smoky, visibility has been limited to only a few miles and many people with asthma or COPD have been affected. An air quality advisory has been issued due to all of the smoke filtering in from the western wildfires.  Sensitive groups should stay indoors!

The smoke is from the hundreds of wildfires across the western United States.  A cold front slipped into northern Colorado early Monday and has amplified the smoke coming from the fires in Montana.

Temperatures have been almost Fall-like behind the cold front.  Denver dipped to 46 degrees early Monday morning - tying the record low for the date, last set in 1939!  Afternoon temperatures only reached the middle 70s in Denver - the normal high in 87 degrees.

A storm system will move into western Colorado overnight, bringing some showers to the mountains by early Tuesday.  Lows will be in the 50s on the plains, with 40s in the mountains.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely for the mountains Tuesday with locally heavy rainfall possible. Denver and the eastern plains will have some clouds early in the day, followed by some sunshine through midday.  Thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and evening over eastern Colorado.  Some severe storms will be possible from the Palmer Divide southward.

Temperatures will stay a bit cool on Tuesday in the Denver area with highs in the 70s.  In the mountains, readings will be in the 60s to low 70s, but may drop quickly into the upper 40s to low 50s during thunderstorms.

Wednesday will still be a bit stormy with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible.  Temperatures will be a bit warmer with highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s in the mountains and in the middle 80s for Denver and northeastern Colorado.

By Thursday and Friday, warmer and drier weather returns with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and low rain chances.  The warm weather will continue into the weekend with mainly dry conditions statewide.

Be sure to download the STORM SHIELD APP to help keep you ahead of any stormy weather!