http://www.weather.gov/abq

SPoRT Partners Virtual WorkshopFebruary 13, 2014

The Evolution of Air Quality Products and Services at NWS Albuquerque

Health Impacts

The “legacy” focus for blowing dust was travel hazards associated with the often abrupt decreases in visibility.

Recent research has focused on the health hazards associated with blowing dust.

Small particles (< 10μm) pose the greatest hazards as they can be deeply respired into the lungs and remain there. Inert particles can cause asthma, bronchitis and other chronic conditions. Dust containing asbestiform minerals or heavy metals and viruses or fungus are even more toxic.

Health Impacts

Our “legacy” product to support deteriorated air quality is the Air Quality Alert (AQA). Air quality alerts are only issued when requested by, and coordinated through, local or state air quality agencies. However, the issuance of an AQA as a standalone product is not sufficient. The fire events of 2011 & 2012 taught us that a combination of products such as enhanced graphicasts, on-line briefings and supportive indices best convey our warning. Albuquerque, NM 6/6/11

Smoke

Traditional visible satellite analysis of smoke from the 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski Fire is shown below. Prior to 2011 this was the only event to create widespread impacts to air quality over NM. When smoke drains into populated areas, the sudden degradation in air quality is readily apparent, especially to those with compromised respiratory systems.

On the morning of October 19, 2012, smoke from a prescribed burn in the Jemez Mountains drained along the Rio Grande Valley and into Albuquerque, resulting in an Air Quality Alert.

Inversions

10/31/12 11:13am 10/31/12 2:04pm

Capping Inversion

Twenty years ago, poor air quality in our most populated metro area, Albuquerque, occurred during the winter season, and EPA standards were exceeded a few times each year.

Strict “no-burn” policies and car emission regulations have nearly eliminated such episodes.

DustStrong winds across NM, especially when combined with deep atmospheric mixing, can result in the lofting of large amounts of particulate matter into the air. Dust storms increase in severity during periods of prolonged drought. While impacts to travel due to reduced visibilities are a major concern, the high concentrations of the particulate matter pose serious health hazards.

Albuquerque Tower April 15, 2013

Albuquerque Tower April 8, 2013

Infrared 1745Z April 15, 2011Dust RGB 1924Z April 15, 2011

Simple graphicastsincluded hand drawn smoke

plumes & HYSPLIT trajectories.

The Wallow Fire was the 1st majorwildfire to create widespread impacts

to air quality for NM in nearly 10 years. This was a huge opportunity for the decision support framework and the introduction to unique analysis &

forecast products.

Southwest Coordination Centerprepared concentration graphicsfor use in special partner briefingsand graphicasts.

Historic Fire Seasons

NDFD graphics were also used to present detailed information

on smoke concentrations.

Graphicasts were improved toadd more satellite imagery and

posts were included in social media.

Historic Fire SeasonsMay 31, 2013

KLVS VIS CIG00:53 10 -23:44 4 340023:29 2.5 320023:22 3 320023:11 3 280022:53 2.5 300021:53 2.5 340021:46 1.75 340021:28 3 360021:06 2.5 320021:01 3 290020:53 3 310019:53 4 340018:53 10 -

12Z KLVS TAF 16Z 24015G25KT P6SM SKC 18Z 27026G35KT 6SM BLDU 02Z 34015G25KT P6SM SKC

18Z KLVS TAF 18Z 250G35KT 6SM BLDU SKC 02Z 30015G25KT P6SM SKC 04Z 34010KT P6SM SKC

21Z KLVS TAF AMD 21Z 28020G30KT 4SM FU BKN040 02Z 30015G25KT 2SM FU SCT040 04Z 34010KT P6SM SKC

MODIS-VIIRS True Color 1735Z MODIS-VIIRS True Color 2043Z

Drought & Dust

NM ROADS MODIS-VIIRS True Color

GFE Example

DUST

DUST

Drought & DustMarch 5, 2013

Screen Capture Active Wind/Dust Day

Operational Change toDust Advisory or Air Quality Alert?

Future Focus

SPoRT products will continue to add to the quality and uniqueness of information delivered to our customers.

Need robust verification of dust and smoke events. Analyze PM2.5 concentrations at various locales in NMon days with smoke and blowing dust.

Extended drought will emphasize new product developments beyond the AQA (dust advisory).

Develop & integrate a database of source regions Focus on incorporating better spatial/temporal

coverage into forecast process, including aviation. Increase understanding of the meteorology leading to

poor air quality days.