As Summer Approaches, Smog Returns | WeatherBug
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As Summer Approaches, Smog Returns

March 3, 2022
By WeatherBug's Alexa Maines
Summer is meant to be a carefree time to relax, go on vacation, and participate in outdoor activities. However, a hidden health hazard can arise in and around urban areas as a result of human activity and increasing temperatures.
 
That dangerous mixture of pollution (aka smoke) produced from industry and transportation and high humidity haze (aka fog) combined produced what we commonly call smog. It forms when chemicals emitted from cars, trucks and industrial combustion interact with warming temperatures and sunlight. The result of this interaction is ground-level ozone.  Smog is worse in and around major cities on calm, sunny, hot summer days when there is heavy traffic and high industrial activity. Stagnant weather patterns, such as when high pressure becomes persistent for days on end, trap the ozone in the lower atmosphere, increasing the ozone concentration.
 
Smog can create a number of health problems. It can aggravate asthma, inflame lungs, irritate eyes and induce coughing and wheezing. Children, elderly and people with existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to smog and should avoid outdoor physical activity on high-pollution days.
 
If you’re concerned about smog and its impact on your health, check your current and forecast local Air Quality Index (AQI) on the WeatherBug.com home page under the Life tab.