Thursday is shaping up to be another nice day in the Valley, with high temperatures in the mid-70s. But the air quality is another story.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high pollution advisory for Maricopa County residents. Burning wood in residential fireplaces, chimeneas and outdoor fire pits is prohibited countywide. So is the use of leaf blowers and off road vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to drive less, use electric lawn equipment and skip the drive-thru lines and instead park and walk inside. The high pollution advisory means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease like asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
According to Maricopa County, there have been 9 HPAs for PM2.5 (smoke) in December and 5 PM10 (dust) No Burn Days (AQI above 83).
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Cities across Maricopa County are offering residents free sand for sandbags to help control floodwater during ongoing monsoon storms. -
Officials have lifted fire restrictions for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, citing increased moisture and cooler temperatures. -
The state’s two largest fires, the Sycamore and Pocket fires, are approaching containment. But state officials warn that risks could persist as monsoon activity is beginning to pick up. -
Arizona is used to a dry heat — so what should we know about all of this humidity? -
If you find yourself behind the wheel when a dust storm or heavy rain hits, the Arizona Department of Transportation recommends pulling over until visibility improves.
