[ADEQ Forecasts] ADEQ Issues an Ozone Health Watch for the Phoenix Metro Area for Friday, June 25, 2010

[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 Thursday, June 24: Active children and adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.   
Health message for Friday, June 25: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.   


Synopsis and Discussion
*AN OZONE HIGH POLLUTION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR TODAY JUNE 24*
*AN OZONE HEALTH WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR FRIDAY JUNE 25*
Much of the Phoenix metro area was subjected to near-to or unhealthy ozone levels on Wednesday; the peak 8-hour average concentration of 85 parts per billion (at the North Phoenix monitor) was the highest since the 85 ppb reading that occurred on June 13 2008 at the Queen Valley monitor.  A recent Sky Harbor ACARS sounding indicates that winds over the metro area have an easterly component up to about the 6K' level, and above that becoming southerly 10-20 mph to the top of the mixed layer of 15K'.  Thus, under sunny skies with afternoon high temperatures near 110 deg F, both ozone production and accumulation will be above average.  As of 9:00 a.m. today hourly ozone readings were mostly somewhat below those of 24 hours ago - the most notable exception being at North Phoenix with a +15 ppb departure. Since it is likely that more unhealthy ozone will occur today, the High Pollution Advisory will remain in effect. A weakening upper level trough will approach from the west during the Friday, and the associated gradients aloft over the Phoenix metro area will generate a noticeable increase in late afternoon winds with a reduction in ozone accumulation.  Since there is still a chance for high ozone concentrations to occur - mainly over the northeast and east portions of the Valley - an Ozone Health Watch has been issued. -Reith


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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