How bad is it outside?

At 9AM, our PM2.5 level was 83.1 ug/m3. Air quality is currently unhealthy for all groups; everyone should limit prolonged outdoor activity.

You don't have to understand PM2.5 levels or know how to read the local monitor to check air quality conditions this summer. Air quality conditions can be estimated by simply looking at your surroundings.

To check current air quality conditions, follow these simple steps:

1. Face away from the sun
2. Determine the limit of your visual range by looking for targets at known distances (miles). Visual range is that point at which even objects that are typically easily identifiable totally disappear (like Hogback, your neighbor's house, the "O" on the OIT hill)
3. Use the values below to determine smoke conditions