Air Quality Information

Air Quality Reporting Related to Fires Affecting the Parks

Real-time smoke advisory information is available for areas throughout the parks. The AirNow national smoke map also has air quality information for the nation. Please note that particulate matter can affect both human health and the environment.

Ozone

Poor air quality often afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. Ozone can have negative health efects, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older people, and those with heart or lung disease.

Daily Air Quality Forecasts

Below are the most recent air quality forecasts sent via Twitter by the parks' Air Resource Advisors during the summer months. The date of the last forecast is in the lower right of each tweet. In addition to these forecasts, a fire and smoke map is available for the parks through AirNow.gov.

During summer, generally May to October, these parks post daily and weekend air-quality forecasts to inform visitors and staff of expected conditions. Two forecasts are given, because lower elevations in the foothills experience different air quality than montane middle elevations. Higher elevations (above 8500 feet) typically retain good air quality, even when lower-elevation monitors show poor air quality. Unless otherwise noted, the park air-quality forecast is for ozone only.

Air Quality

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  Foothills Air Quality Data Live

  For the foothills, you can find ozone and particulate matter conditions.

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  Mid-elevation Air Quality Data

  At the middle elevations, you can find ozone conditions from May through November.

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  Learn More About Air Quality

  Learn more about air quality research, visibility, atmospheric deposition, and ozone.

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  Giant Forest Webcam

  The Giant Forest webcam shows visibility conditions downslope into the foothills.

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  Current Fire Information

  Information about wildfires and prescribed burns

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  Drives and Viewpoints

  Explore our mountain landscapes along the Generals Highway and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.