The highest AQ index in Arizona (as of 6:00 MST) is currently the Hidden Valley area. Particle Pollution (PM10) is measuring at 150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups). This means members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
Over the next few days, the highest Ozone (OZONE) will be in the Phoenix area. It is forecasted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, meaning members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
[View the ADEQ Hourly Forecast for Phoenix]
Unlike its Asian counterpart, the monsoon in Arizona happens in spurts. In other words, there are humid, active periods, and then there are dry, inactive periods. We are in a dry, inactive period right now, and we should get used to it, at least for the next five days or so. In fact, our lot will be heat, heat, heat, and an Excessive Heat Warning lasting through 8 PM Tuesday. Be sure to take proper precautions to protect yourself and others! More information can be found here.
Air quality-wise, ozone will be the pollutant of most concern for now. Today, Friday, an Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect. We will also extend it into Saturday. High pressure, light winds, sunny skies, will also conspire to allow ozone formation and/or build-up in/around the Phoenix Valley. Wildfire smoke from the Weimer Fire on top of the Mogollon Rim may also contribute.
Then by Sunday, winds are forecast to increase in the Valley, as a disturbance passes through the Mountain West. Sunday and Monday will both see stronger westerly (out of the west) breezes in the afternoons. Moreover, transport winds over the Weimer Fire will shift to more out of the northwest. If the fire is still active, smoke should move away from the Valley. Overall, these factors are expected to help limit ozone. Ozone is therefore forecast in the Moderate AQI category during this time.
Finally, by Tuesday, high pressure will expand more over Arizona, resulting in conditions conducive for higher ozone levels. An Ozone High Pollution Watch has been issued for Tuesday.
Regarding PM10 (dust) and PM2.5 (smoke), both pollutants will remain mostly locally driven during this period. We just can't rule out possible dust for dust-prone areas from breezes on Sunday and Monday.
Check back on Monday for the next Phoenix air quality forecast!
M. Graves
https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix
Last Update: Friday, July 5, 2024, 8:42 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 |
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