![]() Many forecasters also provide a “forecast discussion,” which lets you know when pollution is expected to be highest during the day – and if there are times when air quality is expected to be better. Much like a weather forecast lets you know whether to pack an umbrella, an air quality forecast lets you know when you may want to change your outdoor activities to reduce the amount of air pollution you breathe in. How to use them: Use AQI forecasts to help you plan your outdoor activities for the day. You can find forecasts for your area on AirNow, on state, local and tribal air agency websites, in your local news media, and through some national media outlets. Where you can get them: State and local agencies provide AQI forecasts as a public service. What they tell you: AQI forecasts tell you what the next day’s AQI is expected to be, which groups of people may be affected, and steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution. For PM, the forecast predicts the average 24-hour concentration for the next day. For ozone, an AQI forecast focuses on the period during the day when average 8-hour ozone concentrations are expected to be the highest. What time frame they cover: In most areas, AQI forecasts focus on the next day. A few areas also issue forecasts for nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. What pollutants they cover: Most state and local air quality forecasters issue forecasts for ozone and particle pollution, which are two of the most widespread pollutants in the U.S. They also use their own knowledge of how pollution behaves in certain communities to issue the air quality forecast for the next day. They use a number of tools – including weather forecast models, satellite images, air monitoring data, and computer models that estimate how pollution travels on the air. Who issues them: State and local air quality forecasters across the country. Forecasts usually are issued in the afternoon for the next day. What they are: A prediction of the day’s AQI. More about air quality trends in the U.S. How to use it: Check the previous day’s AQI to learn more about air quality in your community. Some agencies also report the AQI via their local news media, or by telephone hotlines. You can find the daily AQI on AirNow and on state and local agency websites. Many more areas report it as a public service. Where can you get it: Metro areas with a population of more than 350,000 are required to report the daily AQI. The ozone AQI is an 8-hour index for particle pollution, it’s 24 hours. What time frame it covers: It varies by pollutant. The AQI for each pollutant is generally based on the health-based national ambient air quality standard for that pollutant and the scientific information that supports that standard. AQI for five major pollutants that are regulated by the Clean Air Act: ozone, particle pollution (also called particulate matter), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. What pollutants it covers: There’s a U.S. The AQI as we know it today was issued in 1999 it’s been updated several times since to reflect the latest health-based air quality standards. Who issues it: EPA has issued a national index for air quality since 1976 to provide an easy-to-understand daily report on air quality in a format that’s the same from state to state. It’s also used as the basis for air quality forecasts and current air quality reporting. ![]() It uses color-coded categories and provides statements for each category that tell you about air quality in your area, which groups of people may be affected, and steps you can take to reduce your exposure to air pollution. Air Quality Index, or AQI, is EPA’s tool for communicating daily air quality. Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) to learn more about your local air quality and the best times for your outdoor activities.
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