Air Quality

Utah's capital is one of several Mountain West cities with high ozone pollution, commonly known as smog. Higher temperatures, wildfires, and geography can all make pollution worse.

The Environmental Protection Agency was supposed to identify areas that don't meet updated pollution standards. A coalition of environmental groups is suing over the missed deadline.

Los Angeles and smog have been synonymous for decades. But the last smog alert happened in 2003, and lead has virtually disappeared from the air.

In other news, Utah's air quality has improved in the last two decades, even with its population doubling. And, tracking vehicles without consent is illegal in Utah — but what about people?

The Utah Climate Center's Tim Wright predicts widespread haze, fog, and poor air quality this week.

The Utah Climate Center's Tim Wright predicts valley fog and low, but stable, temperatures for this week. He also suggests taking steps to reduce emissions as air quality worsens.

The Utah Climate Center's Catherine Smith predicts poor air quality, low precipitation, and slightly warmer temperatures than yesterday.

The Utah Climate Center's Catherine Smith predicts low precipitation, slowly climbing temperatures, and poor air quality.

Oil and gas companies have taken measures to reduce ozone emissions, but ozone levels remain above national standards.

The state is still trying to bridge the gap in its monitoring network, as satellite measurements have come up with inaccurate dust pollution readings.