Dust Risk-Based Forecast | Maricopa County

Updated On: 09/29/20 - 9:13 AM       [View Previous Forecast]

Wednesday

Stagnation: Morning and evening stagnation

Wind: Light diurnal winds of 5-10 mph

Thursday

Stagnation: Morning and evening stagnation

Wind: Light diurnal winds of 5-10 mph

Friday

Stagnation: Morning and evening stagnation

Wind: Light diurnal winds of 5-10 mph

Saturday

Stagnation: Morning and evening stagnation

Wind: Light diurnal winds of 5-10 mph

Sunday

Stagnation: Morning and evening stagnation

Wind: Light diurnal winds of 5-10 mph

Forecast Discussion:

If you're out and about this morning, you may notice a haze partially obscuring the mountains. This is because PM-10 (dust) levels are elevated around the Valley (as of 7 AM), which is the result of stronger easterly winds over central Arizona. As these easterly winds persist through the morning, so could the elevated PM-10 levels. By the afternoon, PM-10 levels should improve, but they'll likely increase again at night in industrial areas.

After today, mostly light winds are forecast each day through at least Sunday because of high pressure over the region. Thus, the main thing to note will be the stagnant conditions in the morning and evening hours. Stagnant conditions will allow for elevated PM10 from any local dust-producing activities.

Overall, the dust risk is Low each day for now.

- M. Graves
ADEQ Meteorologist