[ADEQ Forecasts] ADEQ Issues a Particulate Matter High Pollution Advisory for the Phoenix Metro Area for Friday, Dec. 31, 2010

[forecasts@lists.azdeq.gov]

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

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

Health message for Thursday, December 30: Unusually sensitive people
should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Health message for Friday, December 31: Unusually sensitive people
should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Significant rain fell across the forecast area Thursday.  Storm totals
were right in line with the forecast models, generally between 0.5 and
1.5 inches.  Heading north, New River received over 2 inches of rain.
Since 5 am yesterday morning, Flagstaff has received over 13 inches of
snow.
Skies are starting to clear from the west and colder air will settle
into the region through the weekend. Friday's afternoon high in Phoenix
is not expected to get out of the 40s.  The lows will drop below the
freezing mark across most of the Valley Friday through Sunday.  Winds
will be mostly light through the weekend.
New Year's Eve is expected to see a significant boost in fireplace and
outdoor fire pit usage, especially in light of the very cold weather.
The strong inversions will trap the pollution near the surface, likely
leading to several exceedances of the PM2.5 health standard Friday and
Saturday.  Concentration should drop a bit Saturday night and Sunday,
back into the MODERATE range.  We are issuing a PM2.5 High Pollution
Advisory for Friday.  An EXTENSION through Saturday is likely, but we
will review everything again tomorrow and make that decision then.  An
HPA means that Maricopa County will also be issuing a NO BURN DAY for
Friday (and likely Saturday).  
Go to www.CleanAirMakeMore.com for information on the restrictions.  
Check back tomorrow for the latest on the pending air quality situation.



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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