[ADEQ Forecasts] ADEQ Daily Air Quality Forecast - Thursday, December 03, 2009

[forecasts@lists.azdeq.gov]

For more information, please visit our Web page:
http://www.azdeq.gov/ensemble.pdf

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


Health message for Wednesday, December 2: No health impacts are expected. 

Health message for Thursday, December 3: Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged exertion outdoors. 


Synopsis and Discussion
A cold shot of air will drop south into the region late Thursday night into Friday.  This disturbance will also increase pressure gradients across the deserts, producing breezy to windy conditions.  As the disturbance exits quickly Friday afternoon, winds will significantly decrease.  Afternoon desert temperatures are forecast to be in the low 60s on Friday as a result of the cool blast.  There is no rain with this wave.  A more powerful system will develop over the weekend, impacting our forecast area next Tuesday.  This one has the potential to drop significant rain across the region as it taps into some subtropical moisture.  This is great news for ski fans as decent snow could blanket the higher peaks of northern and eastern Arizona.

As far as air quality goes, moisture is always a welcome sight as it helps clear the air of suspended pollutants while keeping loose dust on the ground.  PM-10 concentrations barely slipped into the low "Moderate" range at West 43rd on Tuesday.  Otherwise, all other pollutants (including PM-2.5) were in the "Good" category.  It has been determined that there is some sort of issue with the Queen Valley PM-2.5 monitor, so for now that site will be excluded from this forecast report.  Thursday night's winds have the potential to kick up some blowing dust across the forecast area, resulting in "Moderate" PM-10 concentrations.  The colder temperatures will likely lead to an increase in residential fireplace activity Friday through Sunday, resulting in elevated PM-2.5 levels.  

We'll keep an eye on the potential air clearing, rain producing system slated for next week, so check back tomorrow for the latest.  Until then, have a good day!  -J.Paul


If you have any questions or comments regarding this forecast please contact:

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Communications
1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 771-2215
ms15@azdeq.gov

 
 

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