What influence does Johnson County have on the metros air quality?
Wind patterns during the summer months tend to come from the southwest, as if following I-35 through the area. Since Johnson County is on the upwind side during an average summer day, ozone levels will usually be lower in Johnson County than in other parts of the bi-state region. But emissions from commercial/industrial sources and cars in Johnson County can be transformed into ground-level ozone by the time they reach the northeastern areas of the metro. That’s why the ozone monitors in Liberty, Watkins Mill State Park, and KCI (all located in Missouri) usually have the highest readings.
