Hazy skies rolled over the Valley this week as air quality officials issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory and local stations declared First Alert Weather Days across the Phoenix metro. The air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung or heart conditions, and forecasters are urging those residents to cut back on outdoor exertion. The alert is expected to affect much of Maricopa County through Thursday.
Forecasts and alerts
According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, ozone is forecast to reach the Unhealthy range, with an AQI around 154 on Wednesday and 150 on Thursday, and maximum 8-hour averages near 87 and 85 parts per billion. ADEQ says an Ozone High Pollution Advisory is in effect for the Phoenix metro. The National Weather Service has relayed that advisory as an Air Quality Alert for Maricopa County and is advising people who are sensitive to air pollution to limit their time exerting themselves outdoors.
Who should take precautions
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department says the people most at risk are children, older adults, and people with asthma or other heart and lung conditions. The department recommends practical steps such as carpooling, teleworking when possible, refueling after sunset, and postponing gas-powered yard work. The county’s “Commit to One Day” campaign is aimed at cutting ozone-forming emissions at the community level during High Pollution Advisories.
Why it's happening
ADEQ’s forecast discussion points to hot, stagnant conditions and strong sunlight that allow ozone to build during the day, while late-day winds and isolated storms could briefly kick up dust and push PM10 higher. Forecasters say ozone levels should ease into the upper-Moderate range by Friday and over the weekend, unless cloud cover remains limited.
How to protect yourself
Officials are advising residents to stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, limit strenuous outdoor exercise, and use in-home air filtration if they have it. Maricopa County also lists steps such as telecommuting, carpooling, avoiding unnecessary idling, and delaying painting or heavy gas-powered chores during the advisory. Local weather teams are posting frequent updates during First Alert Weather Days, and Arizona’s Family has highlighted the air quality concerns for its viewers.
