Yesterday, Peak 8 hour Ozone values reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. It is anticipated that conditions will be just shy of that and be in the upper Moderate range. A more distinct decline in Ozone levels is anticipated Wednesday through Friday (improving to the Good category Friday and continuing Saturday.

Thunderstorm activity yesterday once again produced blowing dust but the 24 hour average peaked in the upper Moderate range unlike the day before. Thunderstorm winds are expected to continue affecting West Pinal County to varying degrees through Sunday. At this time, potential for blowing dust looks to be best today through Thursday. Anticipate variable amounts of late afternoon/early evening dustiness with short lived spikes in Particulates. At this time, 24 hour average conditions are not expected to exceed federal health standards. But, that will continue to be evaluated each day. A decrease in the potential for blowing dust is anticipated Friday due to more stable soils anticipated from the previous night's rainfall and storms that day less likely to produce strong winds. A downtrend in storm coverage is anticipated over the weekend - but strong outflow winds from distant storms cannot be ruled out. Similar trends overall are expected for PM2.5.


- A. Jamison
ADEQ Meteorologist