[ADEQ Forecasts] ADEQ Issues Air Pollution Health Watch for Wed., Dec. 31

[forecasts@lists.azdeq.gov]

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

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

Health message for Tuesday, December 30: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Health message for Wednesday, December 31: Unusually Sensitive People should consider limiting prolonged exertion outdoors.
	
Synopsis and Discussion
*A PM-2.5 HIGH POLLUTION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2008
AND A PM-2.5 HEALTH WATCH IS BEING ISSUED FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008*
VALLEY RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO SCALE BACK THEIR USE OF WOOD-BURNING 
APPLIANCES AND FIREPLACES
   That thin layer of Fine Particulates continues to hang along the low lying areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area.  We are now approaching New Year's, then second festive time during the year that residents tend to crank up their fireplaces.  With high pressure over the region, afternoon desert temperatures are going to be absolutely beautiful, in the upper 60s and lower 70s.  That's great news for Kansas Jayhawk and Minnesota Golden Gopher football fans that have migrated into the Valley for the Insight Bowl on New Year's Eve Wednesday.  Overnight temperatures will be in the 40s, but that won't stop any New Year's festivities this week.  Unfortunately, car emissions, smoke from fireplaces and any other particles that go into the air will be trapped by overnight inversions.  Thursday's inversion was very strong, over 10°C (18°F), noticeably defining the inversion layer (see visibility cameras at http://phoenivis.net).  
   With that said, PM-2.5 concentrations were in the upper "Moderate" range on Monday under a Health Watch.  With a High Pollution Advisory in place on Tuesday, they started out slight lower Tuesday morning.  It will be interesting to see what happens tonight as the activities get started.  With no major weather system coming through the region until at least the weekend (30% chance of rain on Sunday), it looks like New Year's Eve 2008 will be very close to the previous two New Year's Eves, approaching health standard.  Thus, we are issuing a PM-2.5 Health Watch for Wednesday and will re-evaluate the situation tomorrow.  Until then, have a good day!  -J.Paul  

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