Understanding Air Quality Alerts
The Wildfire Smoke Special Case
Wildfire smoke is a unique air quality situation that SunUp specifically monitors. Smoke contains fine particulates (PM2.5) that can travel thousands of miles from fire locations. Counterintuitively, heavy wildfire smoke can actually reduce UV levels slightly (smoke filters some UV), while still being extremely harmful to breathe. SunUp will flag wildfire smoke events and issue special guidance — because this is a case where UV might look manageable, but air quality is dangerous.
Try it in the app:
During wildfire season, watch for the smoke icon in SunUp's AQI display. Tap it for specific wildfire guidance including N95 mask recommendations and activity modification advice.
Pro tip:
During heavy wildfire smoke events (AQI 200+), even healthy adults can experience respiratory symptoms within hours of outdoor exercise. Cycling and running are particularly risky as deep breathing increases particulate intake.