Front Range air quality worsens this summer

Denver's air quality is worse this summer compared to a year ago, and the hazy skies are far from over.

Why it matters: The Front Range is violating federal air quality standards and listed in severe non-attainment.

Threat level: Hot weather, pollution and wildfire smoke have triggered 42 alerts from May 31 through Monday, according to the state's Department of Public Health and Environment.

• That's more than last year's 37 — and the ozone period doesn't end until Aug. 31.

How it works: Ozone pollution — which looks like smog — is a mix of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide that are harmful to vulnerable populations. Both are released from manufacturing facilities and vehicles.

• Air quality is deemed unhealthy when it averages more than 70 parts per billion over eight hours, a standard set in 2015.
• Colorado has been ordered to hit that benchmark by 2027 or face greater sanctions from the EPA, the Denver Post reports .

What they're saying: The trend of high temperatures is driving this year's numbers. "Meteorology is a strong driver for ozone. Ozone thrives in hot and dry conditions," state air quality meteorologist Scott Landes tells us.

The bottom line: This year's bad air will make it harder to meet the 2027 goal, which is calculated on a three-year average.