U.S. Air Quality

Moderate AQI continues in the Midwest, Central U.S., & California

Moderate air quality conditions (left image; EPA AIRNow) continued in the Midwest, Central U.S, and Southern California. Smoke from fires is probably contributing to code yellow (moderate PM2.5 concentration levels) conditions in the Midwest and Central U.S. Meloe discussed the fire and smoke event yesterday. However, the primary contributor of haze is likely due to the presence of sulfates nitrates. Haze mixed with clouds is present in the Midwest and East where the AQI is elevated (see AQUA & Terra MODIS; UW MODIS Direct). Also, ozone levels were elevated this afternoon in the Midwest, East, Northwest, and California (right image; EPA AIRNow). Air quality conditions are mostly good across the rest of the country (code green; see EPA AIRNow maps).