U.S. Air Quality

November haze lingers over the Midwest and California

Haze was still present earlier this morning in the Terra MODIS overpass (UW MODIS Direct; left image). The AOD (IDEA) was ~0.4 over this region. Skies appeared much clearer later in the afternoon (right image; UW MODIS Direct). The exact source of this haze is uncertain. However, pollutants from local sources are suspected.

Haze is also present on the West coast and is particularly noticeable over the Pacific near California. Some of this haze may have been transported over long distances.

The air quality varies from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups in both the Midwest and California (EPA AIRNow).