Current Air Quality Conditions
24-Hour Air Quality Forecast for Thursday (August 20, 2026):
Smoke from wildfires does not appear to be currently affecting PM2.5 levels in Butte County, and air quality is presenting in a typical summertime pattern with elevated ozone levels. Below is our forecast for today in a 24-hour timeframe. Note that hour-by-hour, conditions can change. To protect your health, check real-time local conditions using apps or websites such as https://fire.airnow.gov before planning outdoor activities.
| Forecast Area: | Chico | Paradise | South Butte County |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-Hr AQI Forecast: | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Highest Pollutant: | Ozone | Ozone | PM 2.5* |
*The South Butte County monitor does not collect ozone data (forecast is only for PM2.5)
Air quality can change rapidly and vary depending on location. See the links below for real-time air quality conditions near you. If you're tracking smoke, the District recommends using the Airnow Fire and Smoke Map which includes data from Purple Air sensors that the District has deployed around Butte County.
Air Quality Notifications
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Air Quality Guide for Ozone
Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
