How To Use This Site

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="dcterms.title" content="How To Use This Site | AirNow.gov" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.airnow.gov/how-to-use-this-site" /> <meta name="description" content="Instructions for first time users, and a summary of the major features available on the website." /> <meta name="dcterms.description" content="Instructions for first time users, and a summary of the major features available on the website." /> <meta name="dcterms.publisher" content="AirNow.gov, U.S. EPA" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 8 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=2.0, user-scalable=yes" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.airnow.gov/how-to-use-this-site" /> <link rel="revision" href="https://www.airnow.gov/how-to-use-this-site" /> <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];var j=d.createElement(s);var dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl+'';j.async=true;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-L8ZB');</script> <title>How To Use This Site | AirNow.gov</title> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_LjRbg19HRwcrdF7K6sMwe0QBUxzwtkdE415fNhN5V-Q.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@3.4.1/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" integrity="sha256-bZLfwXAP04zRMK2BjiO8iu9pf4FbLqX6zitd+tIvLhE=" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/@unicorn-fail/drupal-bootstrap-styles@0.0.2/dist/3.4.0/8.x-3.x/drupal-bootstrap.min.css" integrity="sha512-tGFFYdzcicBwsd5EPO92iUIytu9UkQR3tLMbORL9sfi/WswiHkA1O3ri9yHW+5dXk18Rd+pluMeDBrPKSwNCvw==" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_tY44zqvv9Fgrh9V5MHKh8181iiOXBh-5BS-w5Mge0wo.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/4.7.0/css/font-awesome.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/leaflet/1.4.0/leaflet.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_dB29mO0K0xbJzenrpFwsQmQK15gqjS2_V478RNILSpk.css" />  <script type="text/javascript" src="//script.crazyegg.com/pages/scripts/0005/9240.js" async="async" ></script> <meta name="og:image" content="https://www.airnow.gov/themes/anblue/images/social/logo.jpg" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.airnow.gov/themes/anblue/images/social/logo.jpg" /> </head> <body class="path-node page-node-type-band-container has-glyphicons"> <div role="navigation" aria-label="Skip to main content"> <a href="#main-content" style="color: #000000; font-size: 15px;" class="visually-hidden focusable skip-link">Skip to main content</a> </div> <div id="popup-announcement-container" style="display: none;" role="contentinfo" aria-label="Announcement Popup"> <div id="popup-announcement"> <span class="popup-announcement-title-dismiss">X</span> <h3 class="popup-announcement-title"> No Data Available </h3> <div class="popup-announcement-message"> There are no current and forecast air quality data found near your location.<br/><br/> <span class="statePageLink">Please visit the <a id="popup-announcement-state-page-link" href=""></a> for a list of cities with data.</span> <span class="otherCountryText" style="display: none;">Please search for a U.S. location, or visit the International navigation tab.</span> </div> </div> </div> <div id="popup-data-provider-container" style="display: none;" role="contentinfo" aria-label="Data Provider Popup"> <div id="popup-data-provider"> <span class="popup-data-provider-title-dismiss">X</span> <h3 class="popup-data-provider-title"> Data Courtesy Of </h3> <div class="popup-data-provider-message"> Unable to retrieve Data Providers. </div> </div> </div> <noscript aria-hidden="true"><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-L8ZB" height="0" width="0" title="Google Tag Manager"></iframe></noscript> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <div> <div class="region region-froze-nav"> <section id="block-customnavigationblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content1dcd2ed1-e110-43f9-b1eb-5911c8c05b2b clearfix"> <div id="master-navbar" class="navbar navbar-fixed-top top-bar top-color-def"> <div class="navbar-holder"> <div class="navigation-holder"> <a href="/"> <div class="navbar-header" id="navbarHeader" style="float:left;"> <img alt="Air Now Logo" src="https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2017-12/AirNow_Logo_White.svg"> </div> </a> <div class="dropdown dropdown-search"> <button id="search-btn" class="dropbtn" tabindex="-1" name="Search" aria-label="Search"> <span class="hidden">Search</span> <span class="fa fa-search" aria-hidden="true"></span> <span class="fa fa-times" aria-hidden="true" style="display: none;"></span> </button> <div id="search-content" class="dropdown-content"> <form class="epa-search" method="get" action="https://search.epa.gov/epasearch"> <label class="hidden" for="what-look">Search Bar</label> <input class="search-bar" type="text" name="querytext" id="what-look" value=""/> <button class="search-submit-button" id="search-button" type="submit" title="Search"><span class="fa fa-search" aria-hidden="true"></span></button> <input type="hidden" name="typeofsearch" value="area" /> <input type="hidden" name="areaname" value="AirNow" /> <input type="hidden" name="inmeta" value="URL~www.airnow.gov"> </form> </div> </div> <div class="mobile-dropdown"> <span class="fa fa-bars" aria-hidden="true"></span> </div> <div class="dropdown mobile-city visible-xs noData"> <h2 class="location-label">No Location Selected</h2> </div> <div class="mobile-scroll"> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="airnow-btn" class="dropbtn"> <a class="main-link dropbtn-nav-link" href="/" target="_self" tabindex="0"><nav id="AirNow">AirNow</nav></a> </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/about-airnow" target="_self" >About AirNow</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/how-to-use-this-site" target="_self" >How to use this site</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/partners/state-and-local-partners" target="_self" >AirNow Partners</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/partners/state-and-local-partners" target="_self">List of Partners</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/partners/for-partners" target="_self">For Partners</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://usepa.servicenowservices.com/airnow" target="_self" >FAQs</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/contact-us" target="_self" >Contact Us</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/announcements" target="_self" >Announcements</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/about-the-data" target="_self" >About the data</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="aqi-and-health-btn" class="dropbtn"> <a class="main-link dropbtn-nav-link" href="/aqi-and-health" target="_self" tabindex="0"><nav id="AQI & Health">AQI & Health</nav></a> </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/aqi" target="_self" >Air Quality Index (AQI)</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/aqi/aqi-basics" target="_self">AQI Basics</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution" target="_self">Ozone</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/aqi/aqi-basics/using-air-quality-index" target="_self">Using the Air Quality Index</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution" target="_self">Particle Pollution</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/aqi/aqi-calculator" target="_self">AQI Calculators</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/aqi/action-days" target="_self">Action Days</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health" target="_self" >Air Quality and Health</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/publications/activity-guides-publications" target="_self">Activity Guides</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health/your-health" target="_self">Your Health</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health/asthma-and-heart-disease" target="_self">Asthma and Heart Disease</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health/online-training-for-health-professionals" target="_self">Health Professionals</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://www.epa.gov/air-quality/air-quality-awareness-week" target="_self" >Air Quality Awareness Week (EPA)</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="fires-btn" class="dropbtn"> <a class="main-link dropbtn-nav-link" href="/wildfires" target="_self" tabindex="0"><nav id="Fires">Fires</nav></a> </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/wildfires" target="_self" >Wildfires</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://fire.airnow.gov" target="_blank" id="fire-and-smoke-map-btn" >Fire and Smoke Map</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/fires/using-airnow-during-wildfires" target="_self" >Using AirNow During Wildfires</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health/fires/smoke-advisories" target="_self" >Smoke Advisories</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health/fires-and-your-health" target="_self" >Fires and Health</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="maps-and-data-btn" class="dropbtn"> <a class="main-link dropbtn-nav-link" href="/maps-and-data" target="_self" tabindex="0"><nav id="Maps & Data">Maps & Data</nav></a> </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/" target="_blank" >Interactive Map</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/national-maps" target="_self" >National Maps</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://fire.airnow.gov/" target="_self" id="fire-and-smoke-map-btn" >Fire and Smoke Map</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/fires/using-airnow-during-wildfires" target="_self" >Using AirNow During Wildfires</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/state" target="_self" >Information by state</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/index.html?tab=3" target="_blank" >Past Data</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/state?name=alabama#historicalAQI" target="_self">By City</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/index.html?tab=3" target="_blank">By Monitor</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/international/us-embassies-and-consulates" target="_self" >U.S. Embassies & Consulates</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data" target="_self" >AirData</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://www3.epa.gov/aircompare/" target="_self" >AirCompare</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://docs.airnowapi.org/" target="_self" >Developers/API</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/airnow-mobile-app" target="_self" >AirNow Mobile App</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="education-btn" class="dropbtn"> <a class="main-link dropbtn-nav-link" href="/education" target="_self" tabindex="0"><nav id="Education">Education</nav></a> </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-flag-program" target="_self" >Air Quality Flag Program</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/education/what-you-can-do" target="_self" >What You Can Do</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/education/teachers" target="_self" >Information for:</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/education/teachers" target="_self">Teachers</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/education/students" target="_self">Students</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-and-health/online-training-for-health-professionals" target="_self">Health Professionals</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="international-btn" class="dropbtn"> International </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/international/us-embassies-and-consulates" target="_self" >U.S. Embassies and Consulates</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/?xmin=-17134679.370019116&ymin=3571995.9725610483&xmax=-5661192.634746248&ymax=11449023.492688756&clayer=none&mlayer=ozonepm&panel=0" target="_blank" >Canada</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow/?xmin=-12217397&ymin=1920062&xmax=-10356002&ymax=2656304&clayer=none&mlayer=ozonepm&panel=0" target="_blank" >Mexico</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="resources-btn" class="dropbtn"> Resources </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/airnow-mobile-app" target="_self" >AirNow Mobile App</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="http://www.enviroflash.info/" target="_self" >EnviroFlash emails</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox" target="_self" >Air Sensors</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/resources/web-cams" target="_self" >Web Cameras</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="https://docs.airnowapi.org/" target="_self" >Developers/API</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/custom-airnow-maps/map-overview" target="_self">Custom AirNow Maps</a> <a class="sub-link nav-link" href="/aqi-widgets" target="_self"> Widgets</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/all-publications" target="_self" >Publications</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/all-publications-en-espanol" target="_self" >Publications in Spanish</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/air-quality-videos" target="_self" >Air Quality Videos</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/spanish-resources" target="_self" >Recursos en español</a> <a class="main-link nav-link" href="/site-map" target="_self" >Site Map</a> </div> </div> <div class="dropdown dropdown-gen"> <nav id="recursos-en-español-btn" class="dropbtn"> <a class="main-link dropbtn-nav-link" href="/spanish-resources" target="_self" tabindex="0"><nav id="Recursos en español">Recursos en español</nav></a> </nav> <div class="dropdown-content"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="bb-nav" class="bb-holder"> <div class="bb-info-holder noData"> <div class="strip-padding status-message-container" id="status-message-container"> <div class="nav-left-side-toolbar"> <div id="nav-announcements-tool" class="nav-tool" tabindex="0"> <button id="nav-announcements-toggle" class="nav-tool-toggle" tabindex="-1" name="Announcements"> <span class="sr-only"><nav id="show-announcements">Show Announcements Popup</nav></span> </button> <div class="nav-tool-counter blue"><nav id="announcements-length"> 1 </nav></div> <div id="nav-announcements-popup-arrow" class="nav-tool-popup-arrow"> <span class="sr-only">Arrow pointing from Announcements Popup to the Tool button</span> </div> </div> <div id="nav-announcements-popup" class="nav-tool-popup"> <span class="popup-dismiss">⨯</span> <h1 class="popup-title">Announcements</h1> <div class="popup-container"> <div class="announcement-container"> <a class="link" href="/announcement/4806"> <span class="sr-only">https://www.airnow.gov/announcement/4806</span> </a> <h2 class="title">Fire and Smoke Map Version 4 Now Available</h2> <h3 class="date">2024-09-05</h3> <div class="message"><p>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service are pleased to bring you this updated AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, with even more information you can use to protect yourself from wildland fire smoke. This new version features an updated display that allows you to get a quick glance at information, tailored user interfaces for both desktop and mobile, and faster loading. <a href="https://www.airnow.gov/fasm-v4/">Learn more about the Fire and Smoke Map.</a></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="view-all-link"> <a href="/announcements">View All (1)</a> </div> </div> </div> <div id="nav-center-toolbar" class="nav-center-toolbar"> <a id="state-notification" target="_blank" class="btn btn-custom-blue state-notification"></a> </div> </div> <div class="strip-padding"> <div id="nav-right-side-toolbar" class="nav-right-side-toolbar"> <div id="nav-weather-tool" class="nav-tool"> <div class="weather-degrees-value-wrapper"> <img class="weather-degrees" alt="weather degrees" src="/themes/anblue/images/weather/Weather_Degree_F.svg"/> <div class="weather-value"></div> </div> <div class="weather-icon"> <img alt="weather icon" src="/themes/anblue/images/weather/weather_icon_partly_cloudy.svg"/> </div> <img class="weather-loading" alt="weather loading spinner" src="/themes/anblue/images/30.svg"/> </div> <div id="nav-aqi-tool" class="nav-tool hidden"> <div class="aqi-button aqi-nav-scroll"> <a class="btn btn-aqi-nav aqi-orb"> <span class="aqi-nav-text">AQI</span> <span class="fa fa-times" style="display: none"></span> </a> </div> <div class="aq-dial aqi-nav-scroll small status-bar"> <img class="aq-dial-background" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/dial_black_circle_top.svg" alt="Dial Background Circle Top" /> <img class="aq-dial-background2" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/dial_black_circle_bottom.svg" alt="Dial Background Circle Bottom"/> <img class="aq-dial-meter" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/dial_legend.svg" alt="Dial Arched AQI Legend"/> <img class="aq-dial-arrow" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/dial_arrow_full_rounded.svg" alt="Dial AQI Value Indicator Arrow" /> <img class="aq-dial-status" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/dial_not_available.svg" alt="Dial Category Indicator Half-Circle" /> <div class="top-half" id="top-half"></div>  <div class="bottom-half"> <div class="current-aq-container"> <div class="header"> Current Air Quality <span class="aq-updated-time"></span> </div> <div class="current-aq-data"> <div class="aqi"></div> <div class="pollutant"></div> </div> </div> <div class="forecast-aq-container"> <div class="header">Forecast AQI</div> <div class="today-aq-data"> <div class="date">Today</div> <div class="circle"> <img class="action-day" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/action_day_icon.png" alt="Action Day Icon" /> </div> <div class="category"></div> </div> <div class="tomorrow-aq-data"> <div class="date">Tomorrow</div> <div class="circle"> <img class="action-day" src="/themes/anblue/images/dial3/action_day_icon.png" alt="Action Day Icon" /> </div> <div class="category"></div> </div> <div class="misc"> <div class="browser-only">More</div> <a class="print-only" href="//airnow.gov">AirNow.gov</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="nav-geosearch-tool" class="aqi-container nav-tool hidden"> <div class="curr-cond-label aqi-nav-scroll hidden-xs"> <a href="/"></a> </div> <div class="location-input aqi-nav-scroll"> <div class="location-input-holder"> <label class="hidden" for="location-input-nav">Location Search</label> <input id="location-input-nav" class="location-input-style location-input-field" placeholder="ZIP Code, City, or State" aria-describedby="locationSearch" /> <div id="locationSearch" class="hidden">Use this box for geographic or location based searches.</div> <div class="location-input-gps-btn"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: none;" id="tippy_container"></div> </section> <style> #block-motionpointlanguageswitcher { position: relative; top: 135px; left: 75vw; height: 0px; z-index: 1; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14pt; color: #1f496e; } a.langLink { position: relative; top: -21px; } @media all and (max-width: 767px) { /* mobile */ #block-motionpointlanguageswitcher { top: 125px; left: 65vw; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) { /* ipsd snd small web */ #block-motionpointlanguageswitcher { left: 80vw; } } @media all and (min-width: 900px) { /* web */ #block-motionpointlanguageswitcher { left: 75vw; } } @media all and (min-width: 1551px) { /* large web */ #block-motionpointlanguageswitcher { left: 70vw; } } </style>   <script src="https://unpkg.com/@popperjs/core@2"></script> <script src="https://unpkg.com/tippy.js@6"></script> <section id="block-motionpointlanguageswitcher">  <script> // Hide "old" Drupal-based language bar AND create new one / Globe, IF we are on a Spanish prototype server cw 2025-01-07 var element = document.getElementById('block-languageswitcher'); // Get the element by ID // Check if the element exists if (element) { // Hide the element if it exists element.style.display = 'none'; } // Get Full Path of current URL cw 2025-01-09 const currentURL = window.location; const domain = currentURL.hostname; const pathAfterDomain = currentURL.pathname; const displayPath = pathAfterDomain.replace(domain, '').replace(/^\/+/, ''); // Remove the domain and any leading slashes cw 2025-01-22 //alert(displayPath); // Set-up Globe translation menu cw 2025-01-09 // // Hide the 'recursos-en-español-btn' element var element = document.getElementById('recursos-en-español-btn'); element.style.display = 'none'; if (element) { // Reuse the element to display a dropdown menu element.innerHTML = ` <img id="globeIcon" src="/themes/anblue/images/icons/globe.png" alt="Globe" style="width: 30px; padding-top: 12px; cursor: pointer;margin-right: 93px;margin-left: -10px;"><div id="espanolBetaLabel" style="margin-left: 28px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: -35px;" data-tippy="">Español<br>Beta</div> <button id="globeLanguageSwitcher" style="margin-right: 10px; background-color: #0B5697; border: none; margin-top: -27px; margin-left: 24px; color: white; cursor: pointer;">Español</button> `; // this creates the Tool Tip cw 2025-01-10 // Initialize Tippy.js on the globe icon tippy('#espanolBetaLabel', { content: ` <div> <center> <h4>Español Beta</h4> AirNow is beta testing a Spanish language translation of our entire web site. <p><p> </center> </div> `, allowHTML: true, placement: 'bottom', zIndex: 9999, offset: [-75, 100], theme: "marquee", animation: "shift-toward", // shift toward; scale delay: [300, 100], interactiveBorder: 5, arrow: true, }); tippy('#globeIcon', { content: ` <div> <center> <h4>Español Beta</h4> AirNow is beta testing a Spanish language translation of our entire web site. <p><p> </center> </div> `, allowHTML: true, placement: 'bottom', zIndex: 9999, offset: [-75, 100], theme: "marquee", animation: "shift-toward", // shift toward; scale delay: [300, 100], interactiveBorder: 5, arrow: true, }); // For Mobile Hamburger menu ONLY cw 2025-01-27 // Check if the viewport width is less than 767 pixels if (window.innerWidth < 767) { // Move the element after the dropdown search, and before the Hambuger menu var dropdownSearch = document.querySelector('.dropdown.dropdown-search'); if (dropdownSearch) { dropdownSearch.insertAdjacentElement('afterend', element); } // Move globeIcon up & over document.getElementById('espanolBetaLabel').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('globeIcon').style.marginTop = '-16px'; document.getElementById('globeIcon').style.marginLeft = '0px'; document.getElementById('globeIcon').style.marginRight = '0px'; document.getElementById('globeIcon').style.float = 'right'; // Move Hamburger up // style="margin-top: -28px;margin-right: -5px;" var mobileDropdown = document.querySelector('.mobile-dropdown'); if (mobileDropdown) { mobileDropdown.style.marginTop = '-28px'; mobileDropdown.style.marginRight = '-5px'; // Ensure that the Mobile Hamburger menu is clickable by making it "on top" of everything else cw 2025-01-28 mobileDropdown.style.position = 'relative'; mobileDropdown.style.zIndex = '101'; } // Move Location Label over var locationLabel = document.querySelector('.location-label'); if (locationLabel) { locationLabel.style.marginRight = '13px'; } // postion the globe globeLanguageSwitcher.textContent = 'Español'; globeLanguageSwitcher.style.display = 'none'; globeLanguageSwitcher.style.position = 'absolute'; globeLanguageSwitcher.style.top = '78px'; // snug it up to the bottom of the Nav menu bar globeLanguageSwitcher.style.right = '13px'; // center the menu under the globe globeLanguageSwitcher.style.zIndex = '102'; // up on top globeLanguageSwitcher.style.padding = '10px'; // Add a border to the globeLanguageSwitcher; <blank> alows the normal button styles to be used cw 2025-01-28 globeLanguageSwitcher.style.border = ''; // Reposition the search icon var searchIcon = document.getElementById('search-btn'); if (searchIcon) { searchIcon.style.paddingRight = '6px'; searchIcon.style.paddingLeft = '6px'; } // Add event listener to handle the mobile drop down menu cw 2025-012-28 document.getElementById('globeIcon').addEventListener('click', function() { // hide menu on second click cw 2025-01-28 if (globeLanguageSwitcher.style.display === 'none') { globeLanguageSwitcher.style.display = 'block'; } else { globeLanguageSwitcher.style.display = 'none'; } if (window.location.href.includes('espanol.airnow.gov')) { globeLanguageSwitcher.textContent = 'English'; // Display English } else { globeLanguageSwitcher.textContent = 'Español'; // Display Espanol } }); // Add event listener to handle the actual language change cw 2025-012-23 document.getElementById('globeLanguageSwitcher').addEventListener('click', function() { if (window.location.href.includes('espanol.airnow.gov')) { // send to English window.location.href = 'https://www.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to English cw 2025-01-16 } else { window.location.href = 'https://espanol.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to Spanish cw 2025-01-16 } }); } else { // For Desktop // Set the "switcher" to display the opposite of the current language cw 2025-01-10 if (window.location.href.includes('espanol.airnow.gov')) { // then set to Spanish globeLanguageSwitcher.textContent = 'English'; espanolBetaLabel.style.display = 'none'; globeLanguageSwitcher.style.display = 'block'; } else { // then set to English globeLanguageSwitcher.textContent = 'Español'; espanolBetaLabel.style.display = 'block'; globeLanguageSwitcher.style.display = 'none'; } // Add event listener to handle the actual language change cw 2025-012-23 document.getElementById('globeIcon').addEventListener('click', function() { if (window.location.href.includes('espanol.airnow.gov')) { // send to English window.location.href = 'https://www.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to English cw 2025-01-16 } else { window.location.href = 'https://espanol.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to Spanish cw 2025-01-16 } }); // Add event listener to toggle dropdown visibility when "Espanol Beta" is clicked document.getElementById('espanolBetaLabel').addEventListener('click', function() { // go straight to spanish window.location.href = 'https://espanol.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to Spanish cw 2025-01-16 }); // Add event listener to handle the actual language change document.getElementById('globeLanguageSwitcher').addEventListener('click', function() { if (window.location.href.includes('espanol.airnow.gov')) { // send to English window.location.href = 'https://www.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to English cw 2025-01-16 } else { window.location.href = 'https://espanol.airnow.gov/' + displayPath; // switch to Spanish cw 2025-01-16 } }); } // end of Desktop var element = document.getElementById('recursos-en-español-btn'); element.style.display = 'block'; // Make the element visible again } </script> </section><div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="main-content"> <div role="main" class="main-container js-quickedit-main-content testcontents"> <div class=""> <section> <a id="main-content"></a> <div class="region region-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <article data-history-node-id="2191" class="band is-promoted default clearfix" aria-label="How to Use the AirNow Website"> <div class="band-style-general band-style-content"> <div class="band-title-row-light"> <div class="band-title-holder"> <h1 id="how-to-use-this-site" class="band-title-light" >How to Use the AirNow Website</h1> </div> </div> <div class="band-card-row band-basic row"> <div class="col-sm-12 basic-content"> <div id="" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><p>Welcome to the redesigned AirNow website!</p> <p><a href="#your-first-time"><strong>Your first time on AirNow</strong></a></p> <p><a href="#smoke-events"><strong>Using AirNow during smoke events</strong></a></p> <p><strong><a href="#how-do-i-get-around">Getting around</a></strong></p> <p><a href="#the-dial"><strong>The Dial</strong></a></p> <p><a href="#current-air-quality"><strong>Current Air Quality</strong></a></p> <p><a href="#air-quality-forecast"><strong>Air Quality Forecast</strong></a></p> <p><a href="#how-do-i"><strong>How do I? </strong></a></p> </p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> <div id="" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><h2>Your first time on AirNow</h2> <p>The first time you use AirNow, you’ll land on the entry page. Click the locator icon or use the search box to enter a zip code, city, or state. Zip code and city take you to the city nearest to you that has air quality data. If there is no city within 50 miles of your location that has air quality data, you’ll be taken to a “state” page that lists all the cities in that state that have air quality data. Enter any state name in the search box to go to that state page.</p> <img alt="Search Box" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08619c69-4c08-4790-b851-6a5693df1df0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sarch-box.gif" class="align-center" /> <p><span><span><span>The next time you use AirNow, your browser may remember and take you directly to your city page.</span></span></span></p> </p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> <div id="" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><h2>Getting around</h2> <p><a id="the-dial"></a></p> <ul> <li>Use the dropdown menus in the header of the page to take you to topics on the website.</li> <li>On a mobile device? Tap the 3-line menu button.</li> <li>Hover over or tap some images and text to find definitions and links to more information.</li> <li>Click on the AirNow logo to return to your city page or the entry page.</li> </ul> </p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> <div id="" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><h2>The Dial</h2> <p>This is where you find your local air quality updated for the most recent hour. The “dial” is the main feature. In the dial you’ll find:</p> <ul> <li>The <strong><a href="/aqi/aqi-basics/using-air-quality-index#nowcast">NowCast AQI</a></strong> color, number, and category</li> <li>The hour of the last update</li> <li>The primary pollutant (that’s the pollutant with the highest <a href="/aqi/aqi-basics"><strong>AQI</strong></a> out of all the monitors in the area for the last hour updated)</li> </ul> <p>In the vicinity of the dial you can:</p> <ul> <li>Open and close the AQI legend. The legend moves down the page as you scroll.</li> </ul> <img alt="legend" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6d8bbf7-e31d-42bb-afcd-77134a49181d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/legend.jpg" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Get a quick view of today and tomorrow’s air quality forecasts plus any action day notices. </li> </ul> <img alt="Forecast area shown on dial" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5a17d08-e7cb-468e-9aa5-f7846c633927" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/forecast.gif" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Hover over or tap images and text to find definitions and links to more information.</li> </ul> <img alt="Pop-up-box" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47fabf0a-1dc5-4f05-b5d5-2289b63f98b0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rollover.gif" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Enter a new zip code, city, or state in the search box, or click the locator icon.</li> </ul> <img alt="search image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a4dd1fc-0bb7-4864-b494-32ada40c1135" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/search.jpg" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Click the <strong>Monitors Near Me</strong> button to go to the Interactive Map zoomed to your area.</li> </ul> <img alt="Monitors near me" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0da28b59-71e4-4288-9ad0-a62c70cc9d8d" height="46" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/monitors-near-me.png" width="147" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li>Click the Recent Trends button for a trend of the NowCast AQI for each hour since midnight. Mouse over to see which pollutant was highest that hour. Switch to week or month to see a daily AQI value (ozone or PM, whichever is higher) for the area for each day.</li> </ul> <img alt="Trend button" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5142eb86-72a2-490b-9c5b-ff0bc4c5feeb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/trends.gif" class="align-center" /> <p><br /> </p> <img alt="Daily Trend Chart" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0986d97-c65b-475d-9f2a-493fe5dd9a70" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/trend-chart.gif" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li>Select <strong>Data courtesy of</strong> to go to the source of data for your area.</li> </ul> <img alt="Data courtesy of" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c139212-eb13-47aa-842f-52f858e231c9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/data-courtesy.gif" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Check the weather.</li> </ul> <img alt="weather icons" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d4f7782-b999-499a-b077-4700bc07675b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/weather.jpg" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <ul> <li>You can keep your AQI data in view by clicking on the AQI circle that appears in the black bar as you scroll.</li> </ul> <img alt="Mini dial example" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="390dcb11-fcd3-42e8-95f7-38d96a9a5934" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/mini-dial.gif" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> </p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> <div id="current-air-quality" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><h2>Current Air Quality </h2> <p>Below the dial you’ll find:</p> <ul> <li>A small map showing the geographical extent of the AQI colors. All areas are approximate. Click anywhere on the map to open the Interactive Map or click the “National Maps” button to see more maps.</li> <li>The primary pollutant and steps you can take to minimize your exposure to air pollution.</li> <li>Other pollutants in the area that are not highest at this time. This can be especially helpful for people who know they are sensitive to a pollutant that is not currently the highest in the area.</li> </ul> <img alt="current air quality screen shot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="375df1f2-edc7-4f4e-b97f-4785e585b353" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/current-air-quality.png" style="max-width:100%; height:auto;" class="align-center" /></p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> <div id="air-quality-forecast" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><h2>Air Quality Forecast </h2> <p>In this section of the homepage you’ll find:</p> <ul> <li>A forecast discussion (if available from the forecaster for that area). Select <strong>Full Forecast Discussion</strong> for the complete discussion.</li> <li>A circle for each daily air quality forecast, with its AQI color, AQI number (if available), and the primary pollutant, which is the pollutant that is expected to have the highest overall AQI for the day. There is space for 6 days if the forecaster chooses.</li> <li>Suggestions for activities to consider as you plan your day. Click on a forecast circle to show its message.</li> </ul> <img alt="forecast screen shot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b838c7de-959c-4ea3-a6c5-b6854c4a2cd4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/forecast-bar.jpg" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> </p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> <div id="how-do-i" class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <div class="col-xs-12"> </div> <div class="col-sm-12"> <p><h2>How do I?</h2> <p><strong>How do I find data by state?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Type a state in the search box.</li> <li>Or, select <strong>Information by state</strong> under the <strong>Maps & Data</strong> dropdown header.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How do I find the Interactive Map?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Under the Maps & Data dropdown header, select Interactive Map or National Maps.</li> </ul> <img alt="interactive map dropdown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="438a819f-e855-4b19-9fc3-cf2d999aa85a" height="318" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/interactive-map-dropdown.png" style="margin-bottom:20px" width="168" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li>Or, click the Monitors Near Me button near the dial.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How do I find past data for a monitor?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Under the <strong>Maps & Data</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>Past Data – by Monitor</strong>.</li> </ul> <img alt="By Monitor dropdown menu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90ccbc43-8918-4591-83af-6992e46ce4e1" height="301" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/by-monitor.png" width="144" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li style="margin-bottom:5px">Or, on the Interactive Map, use the <strong>Loops</strong> tab (shows the last 24 hours) or the <strong>Archive</strong> tab (shows yesterday and other past days). </li> </ul> <img alt="Loops tab menu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a6a9e440-5820-4fa0-8542-59837a9fcd66" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/loops-tab%20copy.png" class="align-center" /> <p><strong>How do I find past data for an area (city)?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Under the <strong>Maps & Data</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>Past Data – by City</strong>.</li> </ul> <img alt="By city menu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="771248ae-b803-4555-94fa-47872280810b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/by-city-menu.png" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li style="margin-bottom:5px">Or, select the <strong>Historical Air Quality</strong> tab on any state page.</li> </ul> <img alt="historical tab" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f417c559-0ef3-4011-ad94-d3542d1fcb27" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/historical-tab.jpg" style="margin-bottom:20px" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li>Or, click the Recent Trends Button near the dial for past data for the day, week, or month.</li> </ul> <img alt="Trend button" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5142eb86-72a2-490b-9c5b-ff0bc4c5feeb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/trends.gif" class="align-center" /> <p><br /> </p> <img alt="Daily Trend Chart" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0986d97-c65b-475d-9f2a-493fe5dd9a70" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/trend-chart.gif" class="align-center" /> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How do I find the Fire and Smoke Map?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Under the <strong>Fires</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>Fire and Smoke Map</strong>.</li> </ul> <img alt="fire and smoke nav bar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3dbb043-279f-46d8-99d7-29bfc2c55f65" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/fire-and-smoke-map-nav.gif" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li>Or, click on the <strong>Fires</strong> box in the <strong>Explore</strong> section.</li> </ul> <img alt="current fires icon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68634838-ac82-4d6f-a2b6-5d4398a71e64" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/current-fires-card.png" class="align-center" /> <p><strong>How do I find air quality data for U.S. Embassies and Consulates?</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Under the <strong>Maps & Data</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>U.S. Embassies and Consulates</strong>.</li> </ul> <img alt="U.S. Embassies menu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df4ac5a3-14f3-4bb8-aa7f-8cbcb4224eea" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DOS-menu.png" style="margin-bottom:20px" class="align-center" /> <ul> <li>Or, click <strong>Embassies and Consulates </strong>in the <strong>Explore</strong> section.</li> </ul> <img alt="current fires icon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="68634838-ac82-4d6f-a2b6-5d4398a71e64" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/current-fires-card.png" class="align-center" /> <p><strong>How do I find Frequently Asked Questions or ask a new question?</strong></p> <ul style="margin-bottom:40px"> <li>Under the <strong>AirNow</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>FAQs</strong>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How do I sign up for air quality emails?</strong></p> <ul style="margin-bottom:40px"> <li>Under the <strong>Resources</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>EnviroFlash emails</strong>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How do I get developer tools such as RSS feeds and file outputs?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Under the <strong>Resources</strong> dropdown header, select <strong>Developers/API</strong>.</li> </ul> </p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 strip-padding"> <hr class="content-hr strip-margin"/> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <footer class="" aria-label="Footer"> <div class="region region-footer"> <section id="block-customfooterblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content0c452b0d-4287-4b26-8476-3450b97df1f6 clearfix"> <div class="footer-navigation"> <div class="container"> <div class="row footer-mobile-section"> <div class="col-sm-5 hidden-xs footer-site-text-holder"> <p class="footer-site-text">AirNow.gov - Home of the U.S. Air Quality Index</p> </div> <div class="col-sm-3 hidden-xs footer-site-link-holder"> <div class="footer-site-link link-group"> <a class="link" href="/">Home</a> | <a class="link" href="/site-map">Site Map</a> | <a class="link" href="/contact-us">Contact Us</a> | <a class="link" target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/accessibility/epa-accessibility-statement">Accessibility</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-4 social-media-holders"> <div id="social-media-0" class="social-media-holder"> <a class="social-media-link" href="/contact-us" target="_blank"> <img alt="Contact Us " src="https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2018-01/Social_Media_Icons_Email_AAA.png?itok=PHqnVURL" class="social-media-image"> </a> </div> <div id="social-media-1" class="social-media-holder"> <a class="social-media-link" href="http://feeds.enviroflash.info/" target="_blank"> <img alt="RSS" src="https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2018-01/Social_Media_Icons_rss_AAA.png?itok=fHhP3pjo" class="social-media-image"> </a> </div> <div id="social-media-2" class="social-media-holder"> <a class="social-media-link" href="https://twitter.com/airnow" target="_blank"> <img alt="X" src="https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2023-11/X-logo-white.png?itok=Bx2AeksP" class="social-media-image"> </a> </div> <div id="social-media-3" class="social-media-holder"> <a class="social-media-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/airnow" target="_blank"> <img alt="Facebook" src="https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2018-01/Social_Media_Icons_Facebook_AAA.png?itok=hJXWv8eC" class="social-media-image"> </a> </div> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 visible-xs footer-site-text-holder"> <p class="footer-site-text">AirNow.gov - Home of the U.S. Air Quality Index</p> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 visible-xs footer-site-link-holder"> <div class="footer-site-link link-group"> <a class="link" href="/">Home</a> | <a class="link" href="/site-map">Site Map</a> | <a class="link" href="/contact-us">Contact Us</a> | <a class="link" target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/accessibility/epa-accessibility-statement">Accessibility</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </footer> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","scriptPath":null,"pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"back_to_top":{"back_to_top_button_trigger":100,"back_to_top_prevent_on_mobile":true,"back_to_top_prevent_in_admin":false,"back_to_top_button_type":"image","back_to_top_button_text":"Back to top"},"bootstrap":{"forms_has_error_value_toggle":1,"modal_animation":1,"modal_backdrop":"true","modal_focus_input":1,"modal_keyboard":1,"modal_select_text":1,"modal_show":1,"modal_size":"","popover_enabled":1,"popover_animation":1,"popover_auto_close":1,"popover_container":"body","popover_content":"","popover_delay":"0","popover_html":0,"popover_placement":"right","popover_selector":"","popover_title":"","popover_trigger":"click","tooltip_enabled":1,"tooltip_animation":1,"tooltip_container":"body","tooltip_delay":"0","tooltip_html":0,"tooltip_placement":"auto left","tooltip_selector":"","tooltip_trigger":"hover"},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"312dd4f1e9a0438032b0ba07d862b9d570f8d2d509d6c575e15885d82984d69d"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_Wc9pm3zNCmIsMfxCREwVuaBmZsU5PgDORL19BpK8QMg.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@3.4.1/dist/js/bootstrap.min.js" integrity="sha256-nuL8/2cJ5NDSSwnKD8VqreErSWHtnEP9E7AySL+1ev4=" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_RIMa0r6_xQF3cNEwlU9-ShkQaP0UCWWekYDEv2tMco8.js"></script> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/moment.js/2.20.1/moment-with-locales.js"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_qKugZO-xYHcCKcZ29fnDPgjJ7xpV1cd5Wj2gorE-15M.js"></script> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/leaflet/1.4.0/leaflet.js"></script> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/esri-leaflet/2.2.3/esri-leaflet.js"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_WgBpvlwibWVnGSJwXPmry4JykpFs_qY5AI-8suM3kQc.js"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

How To Use This Site | AirNow.gov