U.S. Air Quality

Still smoke over North Carolina, California and “moderate” air quality in the eastern part of the US

Although the plume seems less intense compared to yesterday, today’s MODIS Aqua RGB (top left) shows there is still some haze over North Carolina, southeastern VA, and the Atlantic (*) due to transported fire smoke. According to the MODIS Active Fire Mapping Program, the burnt area in Hyde County is already assessed to be of about 39,779 Acres due to lightning. It also says the fire has not yet been contained.

When comparing today and yesterday’s MODIS AQUA RGB, it seems the plume has drifted further south above the Atlantic. This can also be observed when comparing both yesterday and today’s NOAA HMS analysis (top right). In addition of being further south, today’s NOAA HMS analysis shows the smoke plume has traveled deeper into land (now mostly over NC and further in VA). This could be explained by the east southerly winds close to the ground shown on the GASP AOD and wind trajectory map (bottom left).

Today’s NOAA HMS analysis also shows that fire activity continues in California. According to the MODIS Active Fire Mapping Program, evacuations and road closures are in effect for several California communities.

Today’s EPA AIRNow’s particulate matter levels (bottom right, PM2.5) show “moderate” to “unhealthy” conditions in southern California and NC, specially at 5:00 PM. Air quality was also “moderate” over a large part of the eastern united states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio…).

(*) Please don't confuse the sunglint with haze!

Posted by Meloe Kacenelenbogen at June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | TrackBack