U.S. Air Quality

California Smoke and Eastern Haze

Dense smoke form fires remains in Northern California (UW MODIS Today; left image); the AOD (IDEA; right image) reached unity from San Francisco to Blue Canyon, CA. Ozone levels and PM2.5 concentrations were elevated (moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups) in most of the state. Smoke from fires along with other pollution sources is likely responsible.

Haze is also visible over most of the East. This haze is likely a combination of smoke, dust, sulfate, and nitrate aerosols. Most of the smoke seen over the Atlantic, East and Central U.S. was likely transported from Alaska and Canadian fires. Air quality (EPA AIRNow) conditions were also moderate on the East (refer to the AOD map above to see where the aerosols are most intense).