The highest AQ index in Arizona (as of 10:00 MST) is currently the McDowell area. Particle Pollution (PM10) is measuring at 60 (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 Ozone (OZONE) 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]
Thunderstorm activity around the state is expected to be less today - most noticeably over south-central and southeast AZ - but with another round over the higher terrain of central and eastern AZ. Thus, thunderstorm outflow winds are less likely to affect the Greater Phoenix area. However, there is still at least a slight chance of outflows from the Rim and/or from northeast Pima County reaching portions of the Valley. Storm activity trends down even more Friday as drier air overspreads the state with little to no coverage. Conditions remain that way through at least Monday. Temperatures will be close to seasonal averages.
Peak 8 hour Ozone is expected to remain in the Moderate range given the time of year but with a gradual uptrend through Monday.
Daily average PM10 is anticipated to be in the upper Good range today and climb to the low Moderate range Friday before improving over the weekend with the usual decline in construction and commercial activity. Levels trend up on Monday but are anticipated to be just within the Good range. Of note, even on days that are in the Good range, anticipate times in the mornings with elevated readings due to daily activities starting before the morning temperature inversion dissipates.
Daily average PM2.5 is expected to remain in the Good range.
A. Jamison
https://azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix
Last Update: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 9:09 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 10 minutes ago