Drought and Dry Leaves Are Making The Air Dangerous to Breathe in These Places
https://climate-crisis-247-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/08001108/1600087-150x150.jpgAccording to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, 87.8% of the continental U.S. is currently abnormally dry, the largest share since the USDM began tracking national drought conditions in 1999.
A drought in the fall can be particularly harmful to human health, as dry, brittle leaves can break down into small particles and pollute breathable air. No amount of particulate matter is safe for human respiration, making the nation’s severe drought especially dangerous in counties with extensive vegetation experiencing dry weather. A closer look at current conditions reveals a list of counties throughout Appalachia and the Midwest where drought is causing dangerous degradations in air quality right now.
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To determine the cities where drought is reducing air quality, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed data on particulate matter concentrations from the EPA’s AirNow program and current drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Counties were ranked based on the percentage change in PM2.5 concentration from 2019-2023 baselines to present-day readings for November 6, 2024. Only counties with some land area classified as severe, extreme, or exceptional drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor for the week of November 5, 2024 were considered.
25. Todd County, SD
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 5.2 µg/m³ (1.3 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Winner
24. Ohio County, WV
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 10.4 µg/m³ (1.3 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Wheeling
23. Custer County, SD
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 6.0 µg/m³ (1.3 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Custer
22. Noble County, OH
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 10.9 µg/m³ (1.3 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Caldwell
21. Belmont County, OH
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 10.8 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: St. Clairsville
20. Cherry County, NE
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 6.5 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Valentine
19. Guernsey County, OH
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 10.7 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Cambridge
18. Granite County, MT
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 9.8 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Philipsburg
17. Oglala Lakota County, SD
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 6.7 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Hot Springs
16. Jackson County, SD
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 7.1 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 97.8%
- County seat: Kadoka
15. Bennett County, SD
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 7.1 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Martin
14. Sheridan County, NE
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 6.8 µg/m³ (1.4 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Rushville
13. Weston County, WY
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 5.9 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Newcastle
12. Campbell County, WY
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 9.7 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Gillette
11. Powder River County, MT
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 10.2 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Broadus
10. Gilmer County, WV
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 13.1 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Glenville
9. Carter County, MT
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 10.2 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Ekalaka
8. Box Butte County, NE
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 5.9 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Alliance
7. Webster County, WV
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 11.8 µg/m³ (1.5 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 95.0%
- County seat: Webster Springs
6. Ravalli County, MT
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 11.6 µg/m³ (1.7 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 93.1%
- County seat: Hamilton
5. Jackson County, OH
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 12.2 µg/m³ (1.7 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 27.8%
- County seat: Jackson
4. Vinton County, OH
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 12.5 µg/m³ (1.7 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 95.1%
- County seat: McArthur
3. Braxton County, WV
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 14.1 µg/m³ (1.7 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Sutton
2. Nicholas County, WV
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 14.4 µg/m³ (1.9 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 77.4%
- County seat: Summersville
1. Kanawha County, WV
- Current PM2.5 concentration: 14.5 µg/m³ (1.9 times normal)
- Area in severe to exceptional drought: 100.0%
- County seat: Charleston
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