Smoke Shrouds Northern Thailand, Affecting Air Quality and Tourism
NASA's Terra satellite, equipped with the MODIS instrument, captured a hazy view of Chiang Mai and its surrounding region on April 22, 2026. The city, located in northern Thailand, is experiencing significant smoke coverage during the dry season, particularly in March and April. This smoke primarily originates from small agricultural and forest fires, which are common practices for clearing crop debris and maintaining forest ecosystems. The smoke has led to poor air quality, with PM 2.5 levels recorded as 'unhealthy' and 'very unhealthy' by ground sensors. The geography of Chiang Mai, surrounded by mountains, exacerbates the situation by trapping pollution and haze in the valleys. 
