An investigation of air quality index characteristics and behaviors for southern new jersey during spring 2004 as a function of synoptic weather patterns

Air quality in New Jersey is of concern given the state's high population density and the significant presence of industry and other pollutant sources. While air monitoring is performed routinely in real-time and the characteristic behavior of peak values of various pollutants are known, little work has focused on the attendant synoptic weather patterns that precede and occur with these values throughout the state. This is significant given the health impacts posed by pollution, especially if exacerbated by the time of year (e.g., pollen season) and the synoptic weather conditions. In an attempt to better understand the relationship of the unhealthy conditions created by high pollutant levels the Air Quality Index (AQI), as developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was examined for the 2004 spring season for eleven counties covering the southern two-thirds of the state. All daily numerical values were considered (as available) for the period 5 April through 31 July and assessed by a synoptic type tabulation to discern any patterns or peculiarities in the spatial and temporal distributions. Synoptic weather types were determined through access and analysis of the Daily Weather Map Series and included high pressure, low pressure, and frontal systems. Summary statistics of each synoptic type's AQI were examined by county and across the state to interpret any maxima and minima that occurred. A variety of statistical and spatial plots provided a view of the role of weather in air quality in the study area as well as the characteristic behaviors of the AQI as a function of the prevailing weather conditions.