Forecasting and Data Analysis

The primary function of the meteorological program is to provide the daily forecasting of weather factors relevant to air pollution potential.

The forecasts include:

1. air quality forecasts, including the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast as mandated
    by 40 CFR 58.50
2. open burn forecasts
3. special forecasts for programs such as voluntary curtailment of wood burning or
    vehicle usage, including Spare the Air/Spare the Air Tonight programs
4. episode/alert forecasts when contaminant levels specified in Regulation 4 are
    predicted

Data analysis objectives include the validation, compilation and interpretation of meteorological and air quality data, including internal and external distribution, and transmitting data to EPA-Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS).

Other objectives include evaluation of source receptor relationships for legal actions, determination of weather factors for assessment of long-term air quality trends and establishment of data bases and relationships for use in modeling of attainment objectives and long range transport studies.

Further objectives cover operation of the meteorological network and quality assurance programs. Forecasting responsibilities and hours worked were significantly increased in 2002 by the adoption of amendments to the BAAQMD's Regulation 5, Open Burning.