A dust detection system in an area prone to dust storms is experiencing technical difficulties.
The Arizona Department of Transportation established a pilot system in 2020 to track air visibility and serve as a tool to warn drivers of dusty conditions.
The system also carries a weather radar, which is part of a pilot project between ADOT and the National Weather Service.
Under the program, data is supposed to be delivered to the NWS.
But ADOT spokesperson Steve Elliott says there is around a 10-minute delay in the weather service receiving data.
“That means that they think it's not updating as fast as it should, and we're working on that. We don't know if the — actually, we don't know if the issue is at our end or their end, but we're working with them to resolve that," he said.
Arizona’s Family initially reported complications with the radar.
Jeral Estupinán is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
“We are definitely hoping that the latency can be addressed and that we can start looking at the data on an operational basis every day," he said.
Estupinán says the National Weather Service plans to fine tune its operations during monsoon season.
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Temperatures in Tucson and other parts of southern Arizona climbed to near-record temperatures over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. They’re are expected to be 5-12 degrees above normal throughout the week, with another extreme heat warning predicted on Thursday and Friday. -
All of the Mexican state’s municipalities are experiencing either “extreme” or “exceptional” drought. -
An extreme heat warning is in effect for Mohave County as the National Weather Service forecasted 115 degree temperatures through Tuesday. -
According to the National Weather Service, Phoenix set a new daily rainfall record for June 1 with about a quarter of an inch. -
The state may receive 33% to 50% above average rainfall this summer, according to Isaac Smith with the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
