High pressure will move overhead today (Friday), resulting in the lightest winds of the period for Tucson, as well as a warm-up. Saturday will be the warmest day of the period, with highs nearing 100°F. Nevertheless, the weather pattern will return to an active mode later Saturday, and remain so through at least Tuesday. Low-pressure disturbances and waves in the region will draw temperatures away from the 100°F mark, as well as support breezy afternoons. Right now, Monday is looking to be the windiest day, with winds forecast out of the west and up to 20+ mph, along with higher gusts.

Air quality-wise, despite the breeziness this past Wednesday and Thursday, PM₁₀ (dust) remained low for the most part. Because of this, any breeziness in the near future will likely have a similar outcome. But, we can't rule out dust-prone areas from seeing dust, particularly on Monday. Overall, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 (smoke) will remain in the Good AQI category.

In regards to ozone, however, ozone is forecast in the Moderate AQI category each day, given recent ozone trends. Fortunately, breezes will help to cap ozone levels in the mid-upper Moderate AQI category, at most.

Check back on Monday morning for the next Tucson air quality forecast!

- M. Graves
ADEQ Meteorologist