The highest AQ index in Arizona (as of 14:00 MST) is currently the Phoenix area. Particle Pollution (PM10) is measuring at 70 (Moderate). This means air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Over the next few days, the highest Particle Pollution (PM10) will be in the Phoenix area. It is forecasted to be Moderate, meaning air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
[View the ADEQ Hourly Forecast for Phoenix]
Lest March 2026 pass us by and we not truly grasp its significance--so far, as of today, Friday, March 27, Phoenix has seen the daily maximum temperature record broken 12 times this month. And we may rack in a couple more before the 31st.
However, by next week, temperatures will enter a decline as the heat-promoting high pressure loses its hold over the region. In fact, by the middle of the week, a low-pressure wave will administer the coup de grace, as it were, kicking out the hot air, and delivering what we really want this time of year: highs in the 80s.
Until then, we will have some active weather: breezes from the east on Saturday morning; increased cloud cover over the weekend; localized gusts from evaporating or distant rain showers on Sunday; and breezes out of the southwest on Monday. All of this will help to reduce ozone levels. However, we can't rule out the possibility of dust getting blown around, particularly on Saturday morning.
Ozone levels are forecast to be highest today. But, better dispersion and clouds (ozone needs sunlight to form) over the weekend and into next week will limit ozone.
PM10 (dust) and PM2.5 (smoke) will be highest today, and highest in industrial areas south/southwest of the Phoenix metro area. For Saturday morning, some uncertainty exists in how much dust will occur from the winds, but the potential is there. Localized pockets of dust will be possible Sunday afternoon. Monday and Tuesday afternoons will also have a potential for dust.
Check back on Monday morning for the next Phoenix Air Quality Forecast.
M. Graves
https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix
Last Update: Friday, March 27, 2026, 8:43 AM
| Range | 0 - 50 | 51 - 100 | 101 - 150 | 151 - 200 | 201 - 300 | 301 - 500 |
| Color | ||||||
| Category | Good | Moderate | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Unhealthy | Very Unhealthy | Hazardous |
Last Updated 3 minutes ago