We all know that Eugene has beautiful weather, but what about the air quality? While Eugene’s average temperature, weather, and climate are great overall, some say it appears polluted compared to other small US cities. But it isn’t all bad news since Eugene’s air quality has been improving for the last few years. And as you read on, you’ll find out more about the air quality in Eugene.
Eugene, Oregon, is a beautiful city with a variety of fun things to do. If you’re planning to visit or move to Eugene, we have some important information for you. Below, you’ll learn more about Eugene’s temperature, weather, and life in this metropolis.
Eugene Air Quality Assessment and Facts: How Bad is Eugene’s Air?
Understanding the distinction between polluted emissions and observed air quality levels is crucial for understanding Eugene’s air quality. When evaluating air quality, climatic variables like wind, rain, and temperature can have a massive effect. This is due to the crucial role that the weather and temperature serve in the spread of pollution.
For instance, although rainfall and wind may distribute and reduce pollution levels, their absence can lead to emissions building up. The state of the temperature can also have a similar effect.
In Eugene, Oregon, short-term particulate matter (PM2.5) has cost the city more than any other emissions. The annual average for PM2.5 days in Eugene is 6.2, almost twice the regulatory guideline of 3.2 days.
PM2.5 is a collective term for atmospheric smaller-than-2.5-micron-diameter particles, such as tar, smoke, soot, dust, allergens, and toxins. Unlike gasses and other frequently detected harmful emissions, PM2.5 is classified according to its size instead of its chemical composition. This is because PM2.5 refers to particles that are so tiny they can pass through the causeways in our nostrils and lungs and circulate in our bloodstream.
The Willamette Valley’s grass seed fields contribute particles to Eugene’s PM2.5 pollution. This pollutant also originates from industrial and vehicle fumes, combustion byproducts and residue, air-borne pollen and chemicals from farmland, and sub regional emissions from nearby towns and states.
Although the air quality in Eugene only falls short of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for short-term PM2.5 pollution, other emissions indicators also need to be improved.
Which Months Have the Highest PM2.5 Emissions?
Because of home wood fires, PM2.5 emissions in Eugene often peak in the winter, early fall, and late summer, coinciding with the wildfire season. With PM2.5 values of 21.7 g/m3 and 16.8 g/m3, respectively, which are around 4 – 5 times more than July averages, November and December were Eugene’s most polluted months in 2019.
These elevated observed values are primarily caused by climatic factors that retain small particles in the air instead of a rise in total emissions.
How is Eugene, Oregon Improving its Air Quality?
With the help of several strategies, Eugene has reduced daily emissions throughout the city. The two biggest improvements have been made by attempts to switch citizens over to electric vehicles and sustainable power.
Incentives for Electric Vehicles
In US cities, automobiles are typically the biggest cause of air pollution, adding to dangerous atmospheric PM2.5 and ozone. Electric and hybrid cars provide a way to reduce emissions from this industry. Oregon encourages the use of electric cars using incentive schemes that offer consumers up to $5,000 in savings, which will continue to positively impact the Eugene air quality over time.
Sustainable Electricity
One of the country’s most environmentally friendly power grid assets serves Eugene well.
Hydroelectric energy, which produces no carbon dioxide or atmospheric pollution, provides around 80% of Eugene’s renewable sources.
Furthermore, more traditional power sources account for the remaining 20%. Fossil fuels provide almost no energy. Currently, among one of the world’s top safest electricity towns, Eugene eliminated coal-fired energy facilities and switched to renewable energy sources.
Average Weather and Climate in Eugene
Eugene, Oregon’s climate involves cool, cloudy, and wet winters. In contrast, the summer months are warm, dry, and generally clear, great for those motivated to experience Eugene’s abundance of outdoor attractions such as hiking trails, golf courses, and parks. The temps range from 20 to 90 degrees in summer, and it does get over 100 degrees often throughout the summer months of July and August.
Pro Tip
Although “weather” and “climate” are distinct, many people mix them.
- Weather is the atmosphere’s behavior and how it affects daily operations and living. The weather may vary minute by minute.
- Moreover, the long-term weather pattern in a location is referred to as the climate. Climate can refer to the typical conditions for a given area and time period over 30 years.Â
Average Temperature in Eugene, Oregon
According to heat maps, the average temperature in Eugene involves a maximum temperature of 78°F, typically during the nearly three-month-long hot season, between June 27 and September 18. Meanwhile, average highs of 85°F and lows of 54°F are typical in August, making it the hottest month of the year in Eugene.
Furthermore, a daily maximum average temperature below 54°F is typical during the cooler 3-month season, between November 12 and February 25. December, when the average low and high temperatures are 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit, is the coldest month of the year in Eugene, Oregon.
Rainfall
The monthly rainfall in Eugene, Oregon varies greatly by season. On average, December has 8.9 inches of rain, making it the wettest month. With an average of only 0.4 inches of rain, August is the driest month in Eugene.
Precipitation
In Eugene, the likelihood of rainy days fluctuates greatly from season to season. We get a lot of rain here, but it doesn’t rain endlessly; instead, it showers often and intermittently. That is why we have lots of lush green spaces here.
A day is considered wet if there have been more than 0.04 inches of moisture or fluid rain. There is a larger than 30% probability of rain on any given day throughout the 6.8-month-long wetter season between October 14 and May 9. On average, November has 16.5 days of rain, with 0.04 inches or more precipitation.
Between May 9 and October 14, Eugene is dry. Further, August averages two days of rain and 0.04 inches or more of precipitation. It is the month with Eugene’s fewest wet days.
Cloud
Eugene’s cloudy atmosphere varies dramatically seasonally throughout the year depending on the city’s temperature. The four months of brighter atmosphere begin about June 13 and end around October 9.
August has the clearest atmosphere, with a 79% average percentage of clear, fairly clear, or partially overcast skies.
From around October 9 to June 13, Eugene experiences the stormier period of the year. December has the most clouds, with the sky being cloudy or mostly cloudy over 70% of the month.
Snow
The amount of snow that falls each month varies seasonally in Eugene. Eugene has the most snow between December 4 and February 12, with an average of 1.0 inches of snow on the ground over the whole month.
January has the most snow in Eugene, averaging 1.3 inches of snow on the ground. There usually is no snow between February 12 and December 4.
Sunlight
Every calendar year, each day’s duration differs widely in Eugene. The shortest and longest days in 2022 are December 21 and June 21, respectively, having 8 hours, 53 minutes, and 15 hours, 30 minutes of sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the air quality good in Eugene, Oregon?
Eugene air quality is satisfactory, although PM2.5 may cost a very tiny percentage of persons who are extremely sensitive to a mild health risk. Thankfully, there have been significant improvements in recent years.Â
Eugene is also known for its vast array of trees, meaning there is plenty of oxygen produced to give the air a fresher feel.Â
How cold are the winters in Eugene, Oregon?
In Eugene, storms that deliver one or two inches of rain every day for many days alternate with stretches of generally dry weather with brief drizzle in the winter. The majority of winters average a clear, chilly atmosphere.
Is Eugene, Oregon a desirable place to live?
Eugene is one of the best places to live in Oregon due to its beautiful surroundings, robust employment market, and unlimited outdoor activity possibilities.
Discover Your Dream Home: Live Beautifully in Eugene
Would you like to live in or explore the real estate market of Eugene, Oregon?
Eugene is full of natural beauty, opportunities, and a lovely climate and temperature. While the cost of living in Eugene is slightly higher than the national average, it is among the most livable cities in America and is home to more than 150,000 vibrant and creative people.
Explore the most beautiful homes in Eugene, Oregon, with the NO.1 trusted Oregon realtor, Eileen O’Reilly. We are quite aware of the many difficulties of buying and selling property in the Pacific Northwest. Our team is based on sound ideas and is dedicated to supporting you and providing honest, practical advice along the journey. We’re committed to answering all your Eugene, Oregon real estate questions and helping you get the home of your dreams!
