Air Pollution’s Daily Pulse Over the Northeast

- NASA’s TEMPO satellite observed high morning nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across the New York–Washington corridor on May 18, 2026, coinciding with the morning commute. - By mid-afternoon NO2 concentrations had fallen as photochemical reactions with VOCs and sunlight produced elevated surface-level ozone, contributing to unhealthy ozone readings and state health advisories. - TEMPO’s hourly, geostationary observations (complemented by ground sensors and lidar) help track diurnal pollution cycles, improve forecasts, and refine atmospheric models for air-quality alerts.

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