Yesterday (Thursday), ozone did not exceed the federal health standard in Tucson. The Saguaro Monument monitor (eastern periphery of Tucson), saw the highest ozone levels, which reached an AQI of 93.
Throughout this forecast period, the Desert Southwest will have a spring-like weather pattern. We'll cycle through a low-pressure wave (today), high pressure (over the weekend), and the approach of another low-pressure wave by Monday/Tuesday. And what makes this pattern suitable for this time of year is the lack of moisture and rain associated with the low-pressure waves. Instead, the most significant changes in the weather will be breezy winds, clouds, and brief shots of cooler temperatures.
Ozone-wise, the active weather pattern should prove beneficial, as winds foster better dispersion of ozone. The days with the stronger winds will be today, Monday, and Tuesday. Nonetheless, over the weekend, high pressure will allow ozone to build-up locally; but increased cloud cover forecast for Sunday may help to reduce ozone. Overall, ozone is forecast in the Moderate AQI category through the period.
Particulate-wise, PM10 (dust) could be elevated in dust-prone areas on the afternoons with the stronger breezes (today, Monday, Tuesday). But outside of those times, PM10 will be mostly locally driven. PM2.5 (smoke) should also follow similar trends. Overall, PM10 and PM2.5 are forecast in the Good AQI category through the period.
Check back on Monday for the next Tucson Air Quality Forecast!
- M. Graves ADEQ Meteorologist
What Flag Should I Fly?
Friday: Yellow
Saturday: Yellow
Ozone and Your Health
People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, people with heart or lung disease, and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure to ozone can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease, and reduce the body's ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and upper respiratory issues | View Ozone Fact Sheet >
Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:
Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, if possible
Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers - delay big painting projects
Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air
