Calculating air pollution from wildfires and other events has become more complicated. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more accurate.

The fresh air came after days of acrid smoke from wildfires, but officials warned that conditions could rapidly worsen again.

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is the primary system used to warn the public when air pollution is dangerous. It’s based on data collected from 5,000 air monitors across the country. The index ranges from 0 to 500 and uses a color coded system:

With another surge of fierce Santa Ana winds, residents were asked to remain vigilant. An Air Quality Alert has been extended for many portions of LA County through Wednesday evening.