May 13, 2008
Haze Lingers, Moderate AQ in Central U.S., & California fire
Skies remain hazy over the Gulf coast region (left image; source: UW MODIS Today). Also, refer to the MODIS AOD (right image; source: NOAA UMBC GASP IDEA) for a better understanding of aerosol intensity around the nation. Ruben mentioned earlier that some smoke aerosols may be aloft over Maryland. The good news is that all of it is above the boundary layer, which means no current impact on surface air quality (code green conditions; PM2.5 < 15.5 ug/m3). Moderate air quality was mostly reported in the South Central United States. It is possible that smoke from fires in Mexico and Central America may be influencing the surface air quality there. Ozone conditions (model data - middle graphic; NOAA NWS) are also high in this region. Also, smoke from local fires in Florida may be contributing to moderate AQI concentration levels in that region.
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Lastly, a significant smoke plume was also noticeable in California (source: UW MODIS Today). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are mostly moderate (code yellow) for the state of California.
