Martin O’Malley, Governor | Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor | Robert M. Summers, Ph.D, Acting Secretary

Laura Landry2011 National Air Quality Conferences

March 10, 2011 | San Diego, CA

Collaboration with the NWS toDeliver Air Quality Products

to a Broader Audience

2

OutlineOutline Introduction

Products Air Quality Alert Air Quality Index Statement

Lessons Learned NWS Dissemination Air Quality Data Access

Future Improvements

Introduction

Products Air Quality Alert Air Quality Index Statement

Lessons Learned NWS Dissemination Air Quality Data Access

Future Improvements

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IntroductionIntroduction

In June 2008, the NWS agreed to distribute official air quality forecasts as issued by state, local, and tribal air quality agencies Air Quality Alert (AQA)

Air Quality Index Statement (AQIS)*

Developed a directive document (NWSI 10-519) to instruct weather forecast offices on air quality (AQ) product protocols

In June 2008, the NWS agreed to distribute official air quality forecasts as issued by state, local, and tribal air quality agencies Air Quality Alert (AQA)

Air Quality Index Statement (AQIS)*

Developed a directive document (NWSI 10-519) to instruct weather forecast offices on air quality (AQ) product protocols

* AQIS is used as a reference for this presentation. Its official NWS acronym is AQI.

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IntroductionIntroduction

In June 2009, MDE requested these products from local NWS weather forecast offices (WFO) for Maryland and Washington D.C.

Motivation to instate these products Increase in media exposure

5 – 10 million users visit the NWS Home Page on a quiet weather day (30 – 60 mil users on an active day)*

Deliver AQ information to public in additional forms

In June 2009, MDE requested these products from local NWS weather forecast offices (WFO) for Maryland and Washington D.C.

Motivation to instate these products Increase in media exposure

5 – 10 million users visit the NWS Home Page on a quiet weather day (30 – 60 mil users on an active day)*

Deliver AQ information to public in additional forms

* Personal communication from NWS Webmaster

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Air Quality Alert (AQA)Air Quality Alert (AQA)

Event-driven product

Issued when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to reach or exceed Code Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) This threshold may vary by state and/or WFO

preference

Event-driven product

Issued when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to reach or exceed Code Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) This threshold may vary by state and/or WFO

preference

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Methods of DisseminationMethods of DisseminationNWS Home Page

Gray shading in affected counties on Warnings & Forecasts map

Text product available when clicking on Air Quality Alert in legend

NOAA Weather Radio Automated broadcast

system

NWS Home Page Gray shading in affected

counties on Warnings & Forecasts map

Text product available when clicking on Air Quality Alert in legend

NOAA Weather Radio Automated broadcast

system

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Air Quality Index Statement (AQIS)Air Quality Index Statement (AQIS)

Routine product

Issued daily to disseminate air quality forecasts

Methods of Dissemination NWS WFO Home Pages

Access point to product varies by WFO

NOAA Weather Radio

Routine product

Issued daily to disseminate air quality forecasts

Methods of Dissemination NWS WFO Home Pages

Access point to product varies by WFO

NOAA Weather Radio

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NWS CollaborationNWS Collaboration

Maryland is covered by four WFOs Three for AQ products because Pittsburgh allowed

Baltimore/Washington to also be responsible for Garrett county

MDE Goals: AQA and AQIS products

Consistency among Maryland products regardless of WFO

Maryland is covered by four WFOs Three for AQ products because Pittsburgh allowed

Baltimore/Washington to also be responsible for Garrett county

MDE Goals: AQA and AQIS products

Consistency among Maryland products regardless of WFO

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NWS CollaborationNWS Collaboration NWS Main Concerns:

What county or counties coincide with the AQ agency’s designated forecast areas?

What text are desired for these products?

How can they obtain the AQ forecasts each day?

How many days per year will the AQA likely be necessary?

NWS Main Concerns: What county or counties

coincide with the AQ agency’s designated forecast areas?

What text are desired for these products?

How can they obtain the AQ forecasts each day?

How many days per year will the AQA likely be necessary?

Source: Maryland Department of the Environment

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AQ Forecasts to NWSAQ Forecasts to NWS1) AIRNow

2) Phone or Email

3) NWS Chat Instant messaging

4) NWS Online Interface Submit a request for AQAs on a

NWS website

5) AIRNow Gateway Automated retrievals by

computer scripts

1) AIRNow

2) Phone or Email

3) NWS Chat Instant messaging

4) NWS Online Interface Submit a request for AQAs on a

NWS website

5) AIRNow Gateway Automated retrievals by

computer scripts

Sources: AIRNow, NWS, UT Dallas

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AIRNow Home PageAIRNow Home Page Strengths

Forecast is from AQ agency Good source for more information

on current and forecasted air quality conditions for NWS

No work required from AQ agency

Strengths Forecast is from AQ agency Good source for more information

on current and forecasted air quality conditions for NWS

No work required from AQ agency

Limitations Too time consuming for the

NWS forecaster-on-duty

Possible human errors (i.e. NWS may not generate products if distracted by other duties)

Limitations Too time consuming for the

NWS forecaster-on-duty

Possible human errors (i.e. NWS may not generate products if distracted by other duties)

Source: AIRNow

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NWS Chat – Phone – EmailNWS Chat – Phone – Email Strengths

Serves AQA and AQIS products

Direct communication with NWS

Clarification can be obtained easily from both sides

Strengths Serves AQA and AQIS products

Direct communication with NWS

Clarification can be obtained easily from both sides

Limitations Somewhat time consuming for

NWS and/or AQ agency Possible human errors (i.e. AQ

agency could forget to send instant message, call, or email if distracted by other duties)

Limitations Somewhat time consuming for

NWS and/or AQ agency Possible human errors (i.e. AQ

agency could forget to send instant message, call, or email if distracted by other duties)

Sources: NWS, UT Dallas

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NWS Online InterfaceNWS Online Interface Strengths

Forecast is directly from AQ agency

Strengths Forecast is directly from AQ

agency

Limitations AQA only Somewhat time consuming for AQ

agency Possible human errors (i.e. AQ

agency may submit incorrect inputs, AQ agency may forget to send requests)

Limitations AQA only Somewhat time consuming for AQ

agency Possible human errors (i.e. AQ

agency may submit incorrect inputs, AQ agency may forget to send requests)

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AIRNow GatewayAIRNow Gateway Strengths

Serves AQA and AQIS products

Minimal work required from NWS and AQ agency

Significant reduction of errors

Strengths Serves AQA and AQIS products

Minimal work required from NWS and AQ agency

Significant reduction of errors

Limitations May be somewhat time

consuming for NWS to setup

NWS Information Technology Officer will need to setup the required computer scripts

Limitations May be somewhat time

consuming for NWS to setup

NWS Information Technology Officer will need to setup the required computer scripts

Example Excerpt from Text File

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AQ Forecasts to NWSAQ Forecasts to NWS Recommended: AIRNow Gateway

Computer programs automate this forecast retrieval process File transfer protocol (FTP)

Reporting Area text files store most recent forecasts Thanks to NWS Wakefield, VA computer scripts were created

Setup procedures require time, but it is well worth the effort AQIS: Completely automated AQA: Manual update of hazard grids on Warnings & Forecasts map

Initial problems quickly resolved AIRNow forecast cities mistakenly associated with incorrect county/counties Computer script identified “Unhealthy” in “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”

from AIRNow Gateway file Resulted in a Code Red rather than a Code Orange AQA Ask for the Forecaster phone line so that you can resolve any errors asap

Recommended: AIRNow Gateway Computer programs automate this forecast retrieval process File transfer protocol (FTP)

Reporting Area text files store most recent forecasts Thanks to NWS Wakefield, VA computer scripts were created

Setup procedures require time, but it is well worth the effort AQIS: Completely automated AQA: Manual update of hazard grids on Warnings & Forecasts map

Initial problems quickly resolved AIRNow forecast cities mistakenly associated with incorrect county/counties Computer script identified “Unhealthy” in “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”

from AIRNow Gateway file Resulted in a Code Red rather than a Code Orange AQA Ask for the Forecaster phone line so that you can resolve any errors asap

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How Many AQAs per year?How Many AQAs per year?

A tough question due to meteorological variations and ever changing emissions

Essentially, the real issue might be quantifying how much these new products will add to their current workload NWS offices are not required to participate, but many

are more than willing

If they opt out, it leads to in-state inconsistencies

A tough question due to meteorological variations and ever changing emissions

Essentially, the real issue might be quantifying how much these new products will add to their current workload NWS offices are not required to participate, but many

are more than willing

If they opt out, it leads to in-state inconsistencies

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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

Inconsistencies have included: One office only agreed to AQA while others offer AQA

and AQIS

Another office broadcasts the products on NOAA Weather Radio while others do not

Text products associated with AQAs differ slightly from office to office

Inconsistencies have included: One office only agreed to AQA while others offer AQA

and AQIS

Another office broadcasts the products on NOAA Weather Radio while others do not

Text products associated with AQAs differ slightly from office to office

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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

Initial obstacles Disagreement on AQI threshold for issuing AQAs

Conversations via email/phone came up short Concerns about overworking NWS employees and

union approval led to Code Red+ AQAs MDE has only forecasted Code Red on 11 instances

since 2005 All other offices agreed to Code Orange

Differing AQA products could confuse media and the public

Initial obstacles Disagreement on AQI threshold for issuing AQAs

Conversations via email/phone came up short Concerns about overworking NWS employees and

union approval led to Code Red+ AQAs MDE has only forecasted Code Red on 11 instances

since 2005 All other offices agreed to Code Orange

Differing AQA products could confuse media and the public

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Lessons LearnedLessons Learned In May 2010, secured a meeting

at the NWS office Discussed our AQ forecasting

program Cleared up misconception that

AQ forecasts come directly from NOAA model

Cited estimates of Maryland’s sensitive groups

Proved importance of the Code Orange threshold

American Lung Association is a great resource

Better working relationship

In May 2010, secured a meeting at the NWS office Discussed our AQ forecasting

program Cleared up misconception that

AQ forecasts come directly from NOAA model

Cited estimates of Maryland’s sensitive groups

Proved importance of the Code Orange threshold

American Lung Association is a great resource

Better working relationshipSources: American Lung Association, NWS

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Results from New ProductsResults from New Products Fully operational by June 2010

AQIS and Code Orange+ AQAs

During the 2010 ozone season, there was a noticeable increase in media attention to Maryland air quality Media requests received by MDE

occurred with greater frequency Broadcast meteorologists

warned viewers about poor air quality for most of the episodes

Used “Air Quality Alert” term on TV consistent with NWS products

Fully operational by June 2010 AQIS and Code Orange+ AQAs

During the 2010 ozone season, there was a noticeable increase in media attention to Maryland air quality Media requests received by MDE

occurred with greater frequency Broadcast meteorologists

warned viewers about poor air quality for most of the episodes

Used “Air Quality Alert” term on TV consistent with NWS products

Source: The Baltimore Sun, WBAL, WJZ, ABC2-WMAR

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Additional NWS ProductAdditional NWS Product Some local offices offer a link

in left column Most link to state agencies’

websites or the NOAA model

NWS State College, PA made great strides by plotting real-time conditions in Google Maps

NWS Baltimore/Washington shows AQIS product, explanation of AQI colors, links to additional resources

Some local offices offer a link in left column Most link to state agencies’

websites or the NOAA model

NWS State College, PA made great strides by plotting real-time conditions in Google Maps

NWS Baltimore/Washington shows AQIS product, explanation of AQI colors, links to additional resources

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Future ImprovementsFuture ImprovementsProposal for updates to

NWS Directives Some AQ products list

the “primary pollutant” Many pollutants are not

directly emitted into the atmosphere (i.e. secondary pollutants)

Terminology should be “lead pollutant”

Proposal for updates to NWS Directives Some AQ products list

the “primary pollutant” Many pollutants are not

directly emitted into the atmosphere (i.e. secondary pollutants)

Terminology should be “lead pollutant”

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Future ImprovementsFuture Improvements

Proposal for updates to NWS Directives List more information on AIRNow Gateway and other

online air quality resources

Explore an improved method of communicating the AQI category for AQAs At times, TV broadcasters report an incorrect AQI category

Text indicates the category, but some do not view the text NWS Baltimore/Washington suggested using Air Quality

Advisory / Alert / Warning as a better option in the future

Proposal for updates to NWS Directives List more information on AIRNow Gateway and other

online air quality resources

Explore an improved method of communicating the AQI category for AQAs At times, TV broadcasters report an incorrect AQI category

Text indicates the category, but some do not view the text NWS Baltimore/Washington suggested using Air Quality

Advisory / Alert / Warning as a better option in the future

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Summary (1 of 2)Summary (1 of 2) Local NWS offices provide great tools that offer another way to warn

the public of poor air quality AQA, AQIS, a web link to more AQ information on their home page Reaching millions of people per day including TV meteorologists who

regularly check NWS guidance Their effectiveness was shown through an increase in media requests

and public comments

Point your local NWS office to AIRNow Gateway for the AQ forecast Time-saver for all sides NWS Wakefield, VA and Baltimore/Washington helped greatly with

implementing this method for many Mid-Atlantic states

Local NWS offices provide great tools that offer another way to warn the public of poor air quality AQA, AQIS, a web link to more AQ information on their home page Reaching millions of people per day including TV meteorologists who

regularly check NWS guidance Their effectiveness was shown through an increase in media requests

and public comments

Point your local NWS office to AIRNow Gateway for the AQ forecast Time-saver for all sides NWS Wakefield, VA and Baltimore/Washington helped greatly with

implementing this method for many Mid-Atlantic states

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Summary (2 of 2)Summary (2 of 2)Highly recommend a face-to-face meeting

Leads to a better understanding of each agency’s responsibilities

Any misconceptions or confusion from either party can easily be cleared up

Importance of Code Orange can be shown by quantifying the Sensitive Groups category using American Lung Association statistics

Updates to the NWS Directives could help launch the NWS AQ product into a new and improved phase

Highly recommend a face-to-face meeting Leads to a better understanding of each agency’s

responsibilities Any misconceptions or confusion from either party can easily

be cleared up Importance of Code Orange can be shown by quantifying the

Sensitive Groups category using American Lung Association statistics

Updates to the NWS Directives could help launch the NWS AQ product into a new and improved phase

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References and ResourcesReferences and Resources American Lung Association, 2010: State of the Air, Report Card: Groups at Risk.

[www.stateoftheair.org/2010/states]

The Baltimore Sun, 2010: Heat alert and bad air; August exits ugly. [weblogs.marylandweather.com/2010/08/]

NWSChat, 2011: Install and Configure Adium for Media Partners [https://nwschat.weather.gov/mediaAdium.php]

NWS Directive System, September 2010: 10-519 WFO Air Quality Products Specification. [www.weather.gov/directives/010/010.htm]

NWS StormReady Contacts, 2010: Local Contact Information. [www.weather.gov/stormready/contact.htm]

UT Dallas Wiki, 2011: UT Dallas Dashboard. [wiki.utdallas.edu/wiki/display/FAQ/National+Weather+Service+Bulletins]

American Lung Association, 2010: State of the Air, Report Card: Groups at Risk. [www.stateoftheair.org/2010/states]

The Baltimore Sun, 2010: Heat alert and bad air; August exits ugly. [weblogs.marylandweather.com/2010/08/]

NWSChat, 2011: Install and Configure Adium for Media Partners [https://nwschat.weather.gov/mediaAdium.php]

NWS Directive System, September 2010: 10-519 WFO Air Quality Products Specification. [www.weather.gov/directives/010/010.htm]

NWS StormReady Contacts, 2010: Local Contact Information. [www.weather.gov/stormready/contact.htm]

UT Dallas Wiki, 2011: UT Dallas Dashboard. [wiki.utdallas.edu/wiki/display/FAQ/National+Weather+Service+Bulletins]

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Maryland Department of the Environment1800 Washington Boulevard | Baltimore, MD 21230

410-537-3000 | TTY Users: 1-800-735-2258www.mde.state.md.us

Martin O’Malley, Governor | Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor | Robert M. Summers, Ph.D, Acting Secretary

ContactContact

Laura LandryMeteorologist

ARMA / Ambient Air Monitoring Programllandry@mde.state.md.us

Acknowledgements: Virginia DEQ, MWCOG, PSU, Pennsylvania DEP, New Jersey DEP