Phoenix Air Quality Index reaches Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups today

Alert: PM10 and PM2.5 High Pollution Advisories in effect for Phoenix on Thursday, December 19, 2024

Forecast Discussion

Unfortunately, PM10 and PM2.5 reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) AQI category again yesterday. Today, we expect similar weather conditions. As a result, there is potential for both pollutants to reach the USG category again today. Therefore, we are issuing a PM10 and PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory for today.

For Friday and through the weekend, we expect PM10 to drop back down into the Moderate AQI category with less dust-generating work activities. However, PM2.5 is forecast to remain elevated due to a likely increase in fireplace usage. Therefore, we do have a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory in effect for Friday, and High Pollution Watches for Saturday and Sunday.

A small trough moving through the area on Monday will hopefully be enough to keep PM10 and PM2.5 in the Moderate AQI category. As for ozone, it is forecast to stay in the Good range through the entire forecast period.

Ozone and Your Health

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, people with heart or lung disease, and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure to ozone can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease, and reduce the body's ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and upper respiratory issues.

Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:

• Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
• Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, if possible
• Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers - delay big painting projects
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air