The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued several high-pollution advisories this week, including for Friday and a high-pollution watch for Tuesday next week.
ADEQ Meteorologist Matt Pace says while it’s normal to see increased amounts of ozone this time of year, it’s slightly above average.
“What we’ve seen this year as well is Canadian wildfire smoke wrapping around into the Valley and then even potentially some smoke from Asia moving into the region. And we don’t see the smoke down here at the surface, but some of that smoke-modified air mixes down to the surface and can result in increased ozone levels," Pace said.
Pace says after monsoon season starts ozone levels will usually lower in July.
