November 18, 2008
Monday's Trends continue, plus a few small fires in Louisiana
Much like yesterday, the level of visible smoke remains greatly reduced compared to over the weekend across California. The following Terra true color image and corresponding AOD image shows little visible smoke in the area:
 |  |
However, the hourly PM 2.5 AQI values across central to southern California as well as the Pacific Northwest were measured as Moderate or as Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in many locations throughout the day. Most of the rest of the country, as Amy pointed out yesterday, maintained Good air quality (left). An examination of NOAA’s hazard mapping system product shows some small smoke plumes in Louisiana and other areas (right)
 |  |
A close-up examination of portions of Louisiana in this Terra true color image shows a few small fires (left), but the corresponding AOD image does not display any greatly increased AOD readings, so the air quality effects of those fires are not likely widespread.
 |  |