Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop over West Pinal County during the day today. This will lead to periods of gusty winds which will have the potential to cause blowing dust. However, it is anticipated that blowing dust will be quickly followed by rainfall which will limit the duration of the spike in PM10 (dust). But, it is uncertain whether the strongest winds will come from the east, west or south which will affect the amount of blowing dust generated. Thus, the 24 hour average of PM10 is forecasted to remain in the Moderate range. A decline in storm coverage over Arizona begins Thursday with little to no activity over the weekend. The lack of strong winds and beneficial effects of rainfall on the soils is expected to keep daily average PM10 in the Good category Thursday through Sunday. Of note, there may be short lived periods in the mornings with somewhat elevated readings due to local activities such as agriculture but those periods are not expected to be high enough to raise the daily average out of the Good range. Daily average PM2.5 is expected to follow a similar trend but be even a bit better.

Peak 8 hour average Ozone each day is expected to remain in the Good range with lowest values today (due to cloudiness) and highest values Friday (more sunshine).

- A. Jamison
ADEQ Meteorologist