Health Watches and High Pollution Advisories indicate that either air quality is poor or may become so during the forecast period. These notices are based upon the EPA Air Quality Index , which classifies pollution levels with respect to their potential health impacts (e.g., moderate, unhealthy), and health concerns associated with each classification.

ADEQ issues a Health Watch when the highest concentrations of ozone or particulate matter (PM) levels may approach the federal health standard. At this point, people with respiratory or other health problems that make them more sensitive to air pollution are advised and limit their outdoor activity.

A High Pollution Advisory (HPA) is issued when the highest concentrations of ozone or PM levels may exceed the federal health standard. At this point, pollution levels are reaching unhealthy levels for everyone, not just people with respiratory problems. High Pollution Advisories encourage people to limit outdoor activity, and reduce driving and other activities that cause air pollution. A High Pollution Advisory also alerts businesses to implement their travel reduction plans.

ADEQ air quality meteorologists submit forecasts for Maricopa County, Sunday-Friday, that include air quality public health information statements. Additionally, the forecast can be heard on the ADEQ hotline at (602) 771-2367 or toll-free at (800) 234-5677.

Find air monitoring sites near your neighborhood using our Monitoring Locations Map (effective April 1 through September 30).

Pima County forecasts and issues advisories in the Tucson area. Pinal County's Department of Environmental Quality provides air quality information for Pinal County.

• Read today's forecast in the Phoenix metropolitan area at Air Quality Status and Forecasting or call the ADEQ Air Quality Forecast Hotline at (602) 771-2367 (toll free at (800) 234-5677).
• Read the three-day wind forecast for Yuma and vicinity.

Valley Metro Rideshare's Clean Air Program coordinates announcements and information about warnings and high pollution advisories. You can receive these messages via an email notification system by filling out a form with the Clean Air Campaign. This e-mail alert program notifies you if a health or high pollution advisory is issued.

ADEQ retains statistical information regarding past forecasts and generates a forecast report for each month. These reports for April through September 2003 pertain to Ozone pollution only. Beginning in October 2003 they include information on all four pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, PM10 and PM_2.5). Daily tables are originated that list the maximum concentrations and corresponding Air Quality Index values of each of the four pollutants for each month. These are preliminary data from monitors within or adjacent to the ADEQ forecast area and in the case of ozone, include Yuma.

• Monthly Air Quality Forecast Report and Tables of the Daily Maximum Pollutant Readings
• Effects of Common Air Pollutants
• How Air Pollution Affects the View
• Ozone Fact Sheet
• Particulate Matter Fact Sheet