U.S. Air Quality

Moderate and unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups in a great portion of the country; Hazardous volcano activity in Colombia

Today, air now reported moderate air quality conditions over a great portion of the Country. In addition, Idaho, Oregon, Louisiana, New York and specially California reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (top left). According to Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke Product, no areas containing significant amounts of smoke and/or dust were observed today.

Continuing with Patricia's comment about the Nevado del Huila Volcano in Colombia. NOAA Satellite and Information Service reported activity in SO2 product over the volcano area (top right). According to the volcanism blog. Although the volcano has no erupted strongly yet. The volcano is continuing to produce a steam plume with varying amounts of ash on a continuous basis. The image (bottom), captured from the Nevado del Huila this morning, shows vigorous emissions rising from the volcano and a plume, which contain significant ash. The ash released by the volcano has affected around 10,000 people in 17 villages surrounding, where the ashes have covered completely their houses, crops and rivers. The air quality in the area is very complicated due to the mixture of gases and ash in the air. For the moment, there is greater likelihood that the volcano would erupt, instead of it stabilizes. (Nevado del Huila, is the highest active volcano in Colombia)
The Instituto Colombiano de Geologia y Mineria INGEOMINAS, posted a video of a flyby around the volcano in activity. (see video)