10 Cities Directly in the Path of Dangerous Wildfire Smoke
https://climate-crisis-247-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/07210340/q_oaqezjr9u-150x150.jpgAccording to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are 15 wildfires at least 30,000 acres in size actively burning in the United States right now. Fueled by dry vegetation, extreme heat, and gusty winds, these wildfires are set to expand in recent days, sending thick plumes of smoke to populated areas.
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The NOAA predicts smoke levels in several parts of Colorado to rise above 20 micrograms of smoke per cubic meter, creating dense haze and limiting outdoor activity. Overall particulate matter concentrations will surpass the EPA’s threshold for unhealthy air of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. With nearly 100 million Americans under air quality alerts from the NWS, a closer look at the data reveals the cities directly in the path of wildfire smoke this week.
To determine the cities in the path of wildfire smoke this week, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed data on surface level smoke forecasts from the NOAA’s National Digital Forecast Database. Cities were ranked based on the forecast increase in smoke concentration from August 5, 2025 to August 8, 2025. Only cities with at least 50,000 residents were considered.
10. Denver, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 26.2 µg/m³ (+23.9 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 2.3 µg/m³
- Total population: 710,800
9. Boulder, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 30.1 µg/m³ (+25.4 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 4.7 µg/m³
- Total population: 106,598
8. Westminster, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 29.9 µg/m³ (+26.7 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 3.1 µg/m³
- Total population: 115,502
7. Greeley, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 34.6 µg/m³ (+29.5 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 5.1 µg/m³
- Total population: 107,949
6. Broomfield, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 34.2 µg/m³ (+30.4 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 3.8 µg/m³
- Total population: 73,946
5. Thornton, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 35.8 µg/m³ (+32.4 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 3.5 µg/m³
- Total population: 141,799
4. Commerce City, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 35.8 µg/m³ (+32.9 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 2.8 µg/m³
- Total population: 63,050
3. Longmont, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 39.7 µg/m³ (+34.4 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 5.3 µg/m³
- Total population: 98,282
2. Fort Collins, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 42.6 µg/m³ (+36.8 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 5.8 µg/m³
- Total population: 168,758
1. Loveland, CO
- Forecast smoke concentration, August 8: 55.1 µg/m³ (+49.4 µg/m³ from August 5)
- Forecast PM2.5 concentration, August 5: 5.7 µg/m³
- Total population: 76,500
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