July 26, 2008
Smoke in the Midwest, California smoke moving East, & Haze over the Gulf
Canadian Smoke, clearly identifiable by the high AOD values (source: NOAA-UMBC GASP IDEA; left image), continues to stream into the United States (MODIS RGB; right image, UW MODIS Today). Smoke is particularly intense over the Midwest and Great Lakes region. HMS displays the hotspots and smoke. Some of this smoke will probably be over the East soon. This might be a good week (weather permitting) for all REALM and GALION participants to turn on their LIDARS!
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Particle pollution (PM2.5) is in the moderate range for most of the East and Midwest (left; EPA AIRNow). Air quality conditions are, in general, worse in California. Smoke from local fires, which have been burning for a considerable time, is likely the predominant source of surface pollution. Some of this smoke is blowing East (see images above) over adjacent states. Haze is noticeable over the Gulf region as well; neighboring states will likely be impacted soon (if not already).
