Cloverly Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Cloverly, Maryland, is nestled within the Piedmont Plateau, a region characterized by gently rolling hills and dissected uplands. Located in Montgomery County, a suburban area bordering Washington D.C., Cloverly’s geography is significantly shaped by its proximity to the fall line – the boundary between the Piedmont and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This transition results in a varied terrain with small streams and creeks carving through the landscape. The elevation around Cloverly averages around 350 feet above sea level. The Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially trapping pollutants during temperature inversions. While Cloverly itself is largely residential and suburban, it’s situated within a broader region experiencing a strong urban-rural gradient. The influence of the larger Washington D.C. metropolitan area, with its associated traffic and industrial activity, contributes to regional air pollution. Surrounding Cloverly are pockets of agricultural land, interspersed with forested areas, creating a complex mosaic that impacts air circulation patterns. The prevailing winds generally flow from the southwest, carrying pollutants from more developed areas. The lack of significant topographical barriers allows for relatively easy dispersion, but localized conditions can still lead to air quality concerns, particularly during stagnant weather events.

Cloverly’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Spring in Cloverly, particularly March through May, often sees elevated pollen counts alongside moderate levels of ground-level ozone, formed by sunlight reacting with vehicle emissions. Warm temperatures and increasing sunlight drive this process. Summer months (June-August) typically experience the highest ozone levels, exacerbated by stagnant air masses and increased vehicle travel during peak vacation season. August is often the most challenging month. Fall (September-November) brings improved air quality as temperatures cool and sunlight decreases, reducing ozone formation. However, wood smoke from residential heating can become a localized concern, especially during calm, clear evenings. Winter (December-February) generally offers the cleanest air, though occasional cold air stagnation events can trap pollutants near the ground. These inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above colder air, prevent vertical mixing and concentrate pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during ozone alerts in summer and wood smoke advisories in fall/winter. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from the southwest can bring pollutants from the D.C. area.