What Happened
Earth Observatory Science Earth Observatory Smoke Shrouds Northern Thailand Earth Earth Observatory Image of the Day EO Explorer Topics All Topics Atmosphere Land Heat & Radiation Life on Earth Human Dimensions Natural Events Oceans Remote Sensing Technology Snow & Ice Water More Content Collections Global Maps World of Change Articles Notes from the Field Blog Earth Matters Blog Blue Marble: Next Generation EO Kids Mission: Biomes About About Us Subscribe 🛜 RSS Contact Us Search  The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this hazy view of the city and the surrounding region on April 22, 2026.
Table of Contents
Why It Matters
NASA Earth Observatory/Lauren Dauphin Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, lies within a network of narrow valleys in the country’s northern highlands.
Key Details
- Though the historic city is known for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, clear skies have become less common.
- In recent decades, smoke has increasingly darkened the skies during the dry season, particularly in March and April.
- A NASA satellite captured this smoky view of the city and the surrounding region on April 22, 2026, when haze partially obscured valleys and ridges typically visible under clearer conditions.
- Most of the smoke likely comes from small agricultural and forest fires lit to burn off crop debris or maintain forest ecosystems.
- In 2026, satellite sensors detected small numbers of fires throughout January, but fire detections became more numerous and widespread in February, March, and April.
- Fire activity typically peaks in March and fades by May as seasonal rains increase. Research indicates that smoke from biomass burning is one of the largest contributors to poor air quality in northern Thailand during the dry season.
- By one estimate, about 70 percent of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Chiang Mai in April comes from biomass burning.
Timeline
- Initial update published by source.
- Key details emerged in follow-up reporting.
- Further confirmation expected in upcoming official statements.
Background Context
Earth Observatory Science Earth Observatory Smoke Shrouds Northern Thailand Earth Earth Observatory Image of the Day EO Explorer Topics All Topics Atmosphere Land Heat & Radiation Life on Earth Human Dimensions Natural Events Oceans Remote Sensing Technology Snow & Ice Water More Content Collections Global Maps World of Change Articles Notes from the Field Blog Earth Matters Blog Blue Marble: Next Generation EO Kids Mission: Biomes About About Us Subscribe 🛜 RSS Contact Us Search  The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this hazy view of the city and the surrounding region on April 22, 2026. NASA Earth Observatory/Lauren Dauphin Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, lies within a network of narrow valleys in the country’s northern highlands. Though the historic city is known for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, clear skies have become less common. In recent decades, smoke has increasingly darkened the skies during the dry season, particularly in March and April. A NASA satellite captured this smoky view of the city and the surrounding region on April 22, 2026, when haze partially obscured valleys and
Quick FAQ
Q: What is the key update?
Earth Observatory Science Earth Observatory Smoke Shrouds Northern Thailand Earth Earth Observatory Image of the Day EO Explorer Topics All Topics Atmosphere Land Heat & Radiation Life on Earth Human Dimensions Natural Events Oceans Remote Sensing Technology Snow & Ice Water More Content Collections Global Maps World of Change Articles Notes from the Field Blog Earth Matters Blog Blue Marble: Next Generation EO Kids Mission: Biomes About About Us Subscribe 🛜 RSS Contact Us Search  The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this hazy view of the city and the surrounding region on April 22, 2026.
Q: What should readers watch next?
Watch for verified numbers, official reactions, and timeline changes.
What To Watch Next
Track official statements, independent verification, and regional impact updates in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Editorial Next Step
Add your local context, fact checks, quotes, and analysis before or after publication.
Source: NASA – Original Link
Source: NASA
