Air Quality Forecasting: Impact of Natural Disasters and Wildfires

Wildfires release large amounts of particulate matter and gases into the atmosphere, which can cause significant air pollution.

Particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, is the primary pollutant emitted by wildfires that contributes to air pollution. It consists of small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems.

Wildfires can transport pollutants, such as particulate matter and gases, downwind, leading to poor air quality in areas that are not directly affected by the fire.

Strong winds can fan the flames of wildfires and spread them more rapidly, leading to increased emissions of pollutants and more severe air pollution.

Air quality forecasting can help mitigate the impact of wildfires on public health by providing early warning systems, identifying areas that are most at risk, and enabling the implementation of targeted air quality management strategies.

The air quality index (AQI) category that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups is "Unhealthy for sensitive groups".

Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including eye irritation, skin rashes, and respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

Children, elderly adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions are all more vulnerable to the health effects of wildfire smoke.

To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, it is recommended to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, use air purifiers or filters, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Air quality forecasting can help emergency responders during wildfires by providing information for public health advisories, enabling them to track the movement of smoke plumes, and helping them prioritize resources and allocate personnel.

A combination of satellite remote sensing, ground-based monitoring stations, and airborne sensors is commonly used for air quality monitoring during wildfires.

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models provide meteorological inputs for air quality models, simulate the transport and dispersion of pollutants, and predict the emission rates of pollutants from wildfires.

The National Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC) is a widely used air quality forecasting system in the United States.

Air quality forecasting can help communities prepare for wildfires by enabling the development of evacuation plans, identifying areas that are at risk of poor air quality, and allowing for the implementation of air quality management strategies.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) plays a key role in coordinating air quality forecasting for wildfires through its Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program.