From hot and hazy to pleasant? Here's when Fort Collins' weather is expected to cool
UPDATE, Tuesday, Aug. 22: The ozone action alert for Larimer County and the surrounding area has been extended until at least 4 p.m. Tuesday. Today's high temperature in Fort Collins is expected to hit 95 before a chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Wednesday, bringing some potential cooling into the lower 90s.
ORIGINAL STORY: Heat, haze and bad air quality have many Fort Collins-area residents looking forward to the impending arrival of fall weather that will pair better with the pumpkin spice lattes that have returned to coffee shop menus.
Thankfully, we won't have to wait until Sept. 23 for a return to much cooler conditions, should the National Weather Service's forecast hold true. Here's a look at Monday's oppressive heat and when we can expect a break:
Hot enough for ya, Fort Collins?
Sorry, but I couldn't resist. Fort Collins had already seen the high temperature rise into the 90s on five of the six days preceding Monday's expected high of 97 degrees, and temperatures in the city were in the mid-90s by the Coloradoan's print deadline.
The heat peaked last Wednesday (Aug. 16), when the Colorado State University weather center recorded a daytime high of 98.
According to the NWS forecast, Fort Collins can expect two more days of 90-degree daytime highs before things start to cool. Tuesday's expected high is 95, with Wednesday's forecast at 92.
OK, but what about that promised cooling?
Friday is the day for heat-weary residents to circle. According to the NWS, there's a good chance of thunderstorms to move through Thursday and cap the heat of the day at 88 degrees. A chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected to linger into the weekend, with Friday's forecast high listed at a cool 76 degrees as of noon Monday.
From there, NWS forecasters expect overnight lows in the upper 50s and daytime highs in the mid-80s Saturday and Sunday. A chance of showers and thunderstorms could disrupt outdoor activities like Saturday's Tour de Fat bike parade, but we won't know the likelihood of those conditions until later this week.
Ozone action day called in Fort Collins, across Colorado
High concentrations of ozone have led to a wide-ranging air quality alert that will be in effect through at least 4 p.m. Monday. Continued hot weather on Tuesday and Wednesday could extend the health threat to those with respiratory sensitivity.
The NWS is encouraging people to limit the use of gas or diesel for ground travel, lawn mowing and other uses during the alert, as additional air pollution could worsen air quality.
People with asthma or other respiratory issues may be at increased risk for breathing discomfort and other negative health effects. People are encouraged to avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion during the ozone warning. Also, due to the heat, anyone working or exercising outside should be sure to drink plenty of water on a regular basis.
Is wildfire smoke contributing to Colorado's bad air quality?
While ozone is the main air-quality concern, smoke from out-of-state wildfires is causing hazy skies and contributing to degraded air quality, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.
Multiple wildfires burning in the state are contributing to localized increases of fine particulate matter that may cause breathing trouble for unusually sensitive people. Monday's wildfire smoke concentrations were considered "light to moderate" across much of Colorado.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins weather: When we'll get a break from heat and haze
