High Temperatures, Extreme Drought in California Caused Increase in Smog, Health Risks

After decades of progress toward cleaner air in California, heat and extreme drought over the last year have led to an increase in smog, according to air quality experts. They note that the prolonged dry spells have brought more temperature inversions that trap pollution near the ground, increasing health risks.

• "Heat, Drought Worsen Smog in California" (Barboza, Sci-Tech Today, 11/11).