Colorado Springs Air Quality Index (AQI)

Colorado Springs Air Quality Index

Moderate air quality in Colorado Springs — AQI at 90 with ozone as the primary pollutant. Ozone levels typically peak in the afternoon hours in Colorado Springs due to sunlight and traffic — consider morning outdoor activities instead. Current air quality conditions and 48-hour forecast for Colorado Springs and the Briargate area, including AQI readings and pollutant breakdown for ozone, PM2.5, and other pollutants.

AQI

Moderate

Current Air Quality

Acceptable; moderate concern for sensitive people.

Primary pollutant: Ozone (O₃)

Pollutant Breakdown

Ozone (O₃)

Moderate

PM2.5

Good

PM10

Good

Carbon Monoxide

Good

Nitrogen Dioxide

Good

Sulfur Dioxide

Good

48-Hour Forecast

Fri
1pm

Moderate

Fri
4pm

Moderate

Fri
7pm

Good

Fri
10pm

Good

Sat
1am

Good

Sat
4am

Good

Sat
7am

Good

Sat
10am

Moderate

Sat
1pm

Moderate

Sat
4pm

Moderate

Sat
7pm

Good

Sat
10pm

Good

Sun
1am

Good

Sun
4am

Good

Sun
7am

Good

Sun
10am

Moderate

Air Quality Index Scale

Good

Moderate

USG

Unhealthy

Very Unhealthy

Hazardous

0-50 51-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-500

Air Quality in Colorado Springs

Why is ozone worse in the afternoon in Colorado Springs?

Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants from vehicle exhaust and other sources. In Colorado Springs, intense sunlight at 6,000+ feet elevation accelerates this process, causing ozone levels to peak in the early-to-mid afternoon. Morning hours typically have the best air quality for outdoor exercise.

How does elevation affect air quality in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs sits at over 6,000 feet elevation, which means thinner air, more intense UV radiation, and faster ozone formation on sunny days. The city also sits in a partial basin with the Front Range to the west, which can trap pollutants during certain wind patterns.

What AQI level is safe for outdoor exercise?

AQI 0-50 (Good) is ideal for all outdoor activity. AQI 51-100 (Moderate) is acceptable for most people, though unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged exertion. At AQI 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), people with asthma, heart disease, or respiratory conditions should reduce outdoor activity.

What causes poor air quality days in the Briargate area?

The most common cause of elevated AQI in Colorado Springs and Briargate is ground-level ozone on hot, sunny afternoons. Wildfire smoke from fires in Colorado or neighboring states can also push AQI into unhealthy ranges, as can dust events from the eastern plains during windy conditions.