Tropical storm- force winds are helping Denver’s air quality

It probably only took a two- second glance outside on Sunday afternoon to notice two things about Denver’s weather that were drastically different from recent weeks.

The first one was the whipping wind. The second was the return of a deep, blue sky, almost entirely free from a smoke screen.

Between retrieving a garbage can or two from down the road and trying to remain upright, the combination of the chilling fall breeze and vastly improved air quality marked Mother Nature’s influx of an invigorating change for the Denver metro area.

Sustained winds began to surpass 40 mph over much of eastern Colorado early Sunday afternoon, which is equivalent to tropical- storm strength. Denver International Airport recorded a peak gust as high as 59 mph shortly after 3 p. m., with gusts frequently over 50 mph past dinnertime.

These ferocious fall winds proved beneficial, as they helped to raise Denver’s air quality back into the “good” category for the first time during the month of October, and for only the fourth time in the past 30 days.

To kick off the new week, the concentration of fine particulate matter ( PM2.5) in the atmosphere over the Denver area plunged to its lowest reading since Sept. 8, when our early- season snowstorm last helped to clean out the air more than a month ago. But is the easy- breathing going to stick around? The answer to that question is a two- sided one.

First, let’s touch on the good news. The next few days are going to remain on the windy side. Gusts will often speed past 20 or 30 miles per hour as a series of disturbances ripple through the jet stream that is currently positioned near northern Colorado. Then by Wednesday evening, a strong cold front is going to charge through the state, likely kicking up another high wind event.

Wait, this is all good news? For better breathing, you better believe it. These incessant breezes are efficient for circulating the air over Colorado, and will help to keep the air quality in the healthy range for much of the rest of the week.

What about the bad news? The windy weather will be keeping the fire danger elevated. Aside from some beneficial snow in the higher terrain Sunday night, much of Colorado has remained parched for precipitation for the last several weeks. Unfortunately, that does not look to change this week. High winds, combined with low humidity and the bone dry soils are prime conditions for new fires to flare up and spread easily.

So barring any new blazes that develop, you can look forward to a week that is largely free of smoke and haze, and much healthier for outdoor activities. But be sure to remember to hold on to your hats.