[ADEQ Forecasts] ADEQ AIR QUALITY FORECAST FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2008

[forecasts@lists.azdeq.gov]

http://www.azdeq.gov/ensemble.pdf

For transportation alternatives:
http://www.valleymetro.org

Health message for Wednesday, December 17: No health impacts are
expected.

Health message for Thursday, December 18: No health impacts are
expected.
	
Synopsis and Discussion
    Rain continues to fall Wednesday morning as this winter storm system
is still located to our west.  As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Phoenix Sky Harbor
Airport had only received 0.14 inches of rain.  Pinnacle Peak in the
north part of the Valley collected 1.37 inches.  Those numbers will
continue to climb as the much heavier rain will make its way east from
the deserts of California later today and tonight.  It's possible that
some locations could see 2-3 inches total before all is said and done.  
   Those who are already weary of the wet stuff and want the Arizona
blue skies back... your wish will come late Thursday.  The entire system
will begin to move inland this afternoon and cross Arizona Thursday.
Clouds over the forecast area will break Thursday afternoon as the
system continues east.  A temporary weak ridge of high pressure will
them replace the system, but afternoon desert temperatures will remain
in the upper 50s to low 60s.  
   If you don't like rain, then skip down to the last paragraph.
Otherwise, models suggest that there will be a few more disturbances
that may bring showers to the area next Tuesday and possibly again on
Christmas day.  Things could change between now and then, but we wanted
to give you a heads up incase you are planning on traveling next week.
   All the rain has been great for the air quality.  All pollutants were
well in the "Good" range on Tuesday.  This should continue through
Thursday and possibly Friday.  We do expect Fine Particulates (PM-2.5)
to rebound quickly however, rising into the "Moderate" category possibly
as early as Saturday.  In the mean time, enjoy (or endure) the rain and
we'll have more for you tomorrow.  -J.Paul  

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