[ADEQ Forecasts] ADEQ Issues Ozone High Pollution Advisory For Wednesday, June 24, 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 Tuesday, June 23: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. 

Health message for Wednesday, June 24: Active children and adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. 

Synopsis and Discussion
AN OZONE HEALTH WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE REMAINDER OF TODAY.
AN OZONE HIGH POLLUTION ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 24
Local ozone levels were predicted to increase this week, but in fact this has occurred much sooner and at a much greater magnitude than expected. Highest readings on the Air Quality Index catapulted from 44 on Sunday to 109 on Monday, which equates to a 27 parts per billion jump in the 8-hourly average - from 52 ppb to 79 ppb.  This ties the highest 24 hour increase in June during the period 1996-2008; the other event was an increase from 68 to 95 parts per billion between 4 and 5 June 1998. Also, the highest hourly concentration rose 30 parts per billion - from 58 ppb to 88 ppb. The greatest single factor in these increases was probably the drop off in afternoon winds, where speeds were <15 mph most of the day and frequently light or calm during the afternoon.  This allowed the Valley ozone plume to readily accumulate before moving to the northeast. Since a similar situation will be in effect today and Wednesday, a Health Watch and High Pollution Advisory have been issued, respectively.

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