ADEQ Issues High Pollution Advisories For Phoenix And Tucson

inciweb.nwcg.gov

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high pollution advisory for both Maricopa and Pima counties. 

The advisory was issued as a result of wildfires. Meteorologist Matt Pace says fires are burning in California, Colorado and here is Arizona, and the smoke is increasing ozone levels in the region. The worsening air quality is due to a subpar monsoon season.

“We typically have our fire season here in Arizona in May, June and it ends in the middle of July. But since it’s been so very dry we are still seeing these wildfires that are 30+ thousand acres breaking out, where we do have these little bouts of lightning and that is resulting in more smoke in the air in Tucson and in Phoenix," Pace said.

Pace expects more high pollution advisories over the next week or so. He says individuals can help lessen air pollution too by driving less.