The ozone that remains in the atmosphere is then consumed by several different reactions. Several meteorological factors can influence the information of photochemical smog. Precipitation can alleviate photochemical smog as the pollutants are washed out of the atmosphere with the rainfall. Winds can blow photochemical smog away replacing it with fresh air. However, problems may arise in distant areas that receive the pollution.
Temperature inversions can enhance the severity of a photochemical smog episode.
Normally, during the day the air near the surface is heated and as it warms it rises, carrying the pollutants with it to higher elevations. However, if a temperature inversion develops pollutants can be trapped near the Earth's surface. Temperature inversions cause the reduction of atmospheric mixing and therefore reduce the vertical dispersion of pollutants. Inversions can last from a few days to several weeks. Topography is another important factor influencing how severe a smog event can become.