What causes haze in Houston’s skies? Here’s what you need to know.

If you live in or around Houston, you may be wondering why the air is so hazy this week — and if it’s safe to breathe.

The Bayou City is used to stifling humidity. But the dense air this morning came from another source which could present health risks for certain populations. Check out Landing’s guide to learn what causes Houston’s haze and how to keep you and your loved ones safe until air quality improves.

What causes fog around Houston?

Strong southeast winds from the Gulf of Mexico blow smoke from agricultural fires burning south of the border.

Farmers in Central and South America prepare for the growing season by burning old crops. In late spring and early summer, smoke from wildfires spreads toward the southern and southeastern United States, including the Houston area.

Recent windy conditions have made the week particularly foggy.

“The amount of smoke carried from Central America to the South is just miserable,” Matt Lanza, a meteorologist at Space City Weather in Houston, noted in a statement. Thursday morning tweet.

How does haze affect air quality?

Haze caused by fires makes the Houston area’s breathing air more harmful.

Tiny pollutants called particulate matter from fires in Central and South America are filling the air around Houston and Harris County, according to Airnow, a federal air quality tracking site.

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Airnow is currently warning that particle levels have reached “unhealthy” levels in the Houston area. Meanwhile, ozone pollutants also reached “moderate” levels in and around Houston Thursday afternoon.

How can I stay healthy during periods of high air pollution in Houston?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recommends that children, adolescents, seniors, and people with heart or lung disease avoid or minimize outdoor activities of all kinds until the cycle current level of pollution is decreasing.

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