Yesterday, Nikisa posted information that showed that the air quality was moderate (or worse) in the San Joaquin valley in California. I was flying ofer the valley yesterday afternoon and while I didn't have my camera, I did see much of the cause. There were NUMEROUS agricultural fires burning in the western valley. I wondered what was being burnt since they were from isolated sources and then I recalled that it was going to be in the 20's F again on Monday night. I think a lot of that haze is from smudge pots. Farmers will light these up in clear weather to reduce the frost strength by providing a cover of smoke over the fruit orchards.
Interesting agricultural practice for the 21st Century.
Posted by Ray Hoff at December 19, 2006 6:30 PM