Our ongoing partnership since 2019 has already brought visualization of several CAMS layers and empowering general public to observe climate changes at a global scale.

From now on, users can access CAMS data via three new layers: fire intensity, surface ozone and total column sulphur dioxide (SO2). The overal objective is to rise awareness of air pollution and provide air quality data in easy and understandable way.

“We are delighted to be working with Windy to integrate CAMS data, so that its many users can access our global and European-scale forecasts,” says Vincent-Henri Peuch, Director of CAMS.

“If air quality forecasts were as common as weather forecasts it would help inform the public and make people more aware about the need to combat air pollution. The way that Windy visualises CAMS data helps people to understand that air pollution is not simply a local problem, but can be transported hundreds or thousands of kilometres by winds. Using Windy, users can easily follow where air pollution is transported and where it accumulates.”

Surface ozone

Ozone is formed in the lower atmosphere through chemical reactions triggered by sunlight involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Ozone is generally highest in spring and summer, downwind of areas with high levels of emissions. It is a toxic gas that causes cardiopulmonary and respiratory problems, and can affect crop yields, so being aware of local levels can be vital.

Total column Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

Sulphur dioxide is emitted from several sources, including volcanic eruptions and combustion of unrefined fossil fuels. This layer will show the amount of sulphur dioxide from the ground to the top of the atmosphere.

Fire intensity

This layer uses coloured pixels to indicate active fires. Thermal radiation from actively burning vegetation (including wildfires and agricultural open burning) is related to the rate at which fuel is being consumed and smoke produced, and so are also linked to emissions of trace gases and small airborne particles.