Air Quality
Wildfire Smoke Forecast Guide: AQI, PM2.5, Wind Shifts, and Indoor Air
How wildfire smoke forecasts work, what AQI and PM2.5 mean, and how wind shifts can change local smoke conditions quickly.
Quick answer: Wildfire smoke forecasts combine fire activity, wind, stability, and particle pollution estimates to show where smoke may affect air quality.
What AQI means
AQI turns pollution levels into a scale that is easier to compare, but the health meaning changes by sensitivity and exposure length.
PM2.5 is especially important because fine particles can travel deep into the lungs.
Why smoke changes
Wind shifts, mixing height, terrain, and fire behavior can move smoke in or out quickly.
Morning inversions can trap smoke near the ground before afternoon mixing improves air.
Indoor steps
Close windows during heavy smoke, use filtered air when possible, and reduce indoor particle sources.
Sensitive groups should follow local health guidance.