Colorado Primary and US Smoke Forecasts Disrupted by 2026 Wildfires

More than 700 fires in Canada and nearly 40,000 across the United States have burned over 3.6 million acres by late July 2026, far exceeding the ten‑year average. South Dakota State University researchers Xiaoyang Zhang and Fangjun Li developed an hourly fire‑emissions algorithm that uses NOAA geostationary and polar‑orbiting satellite data. The model now feeds directly into the National Weather Service’s National Air‑Quality Forecast Capability, providing the first hourly, satellite‑based view of wildfire smoke formation and transport.

In Colorado, a severe wildfire outbreak in late June 2026 ignited five major fires, driven by hot, dry, windy conditions and record‑low snowpack. The blazes forced evacuations, damaged homes, and prompted emergency declarations. On June 30, the state’s primary election proceeded despite road closures and evacuation orders. Most ballot drop boxes and voting centers stayed open; one drop box in Beulah closed. Voters could request replacement or emergency ballots, upload them online, or receive assistance from Secretary of State Jena Griswold’s office.