Eugene and Springfield air quality pushed into the upper end of the moderate range late Tuesday, July 21.
Air quality is measured on the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale from 0 to 500, color-coded, with higher numbers indicating worse conditions and dark red signaling hazardous air. Moderate conditions run up to 100, after which air becomes unhealthy for sensitive groups — including people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant people.
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) monitors registered an AQI of 96 in north Eugene and 83 in Springfield as of 7 p.m. Tuesday. Data shows air quality worsening through the afternoon, peaking around 5 p.m., with a slight dip into the evening…