Staff Writer, DL Mullan
Weather / Wind __________________________________
Another round of windy weather is happening in Arizona today. Watch for blowing dust in some areas.
Weather Map Forecast Discussion: Based on current observations, the air quality in the Valley has generally improved since mid week’s dust event. As of this morning, isolated monitors in downtown Phoenix are still showing PM-10 readings in the Moderate range, while surrounding monitors are in the Good range. Other pollutants Valley-wide are in the Good category. Saturday will feature warmer conditions and light winds. By Sunday, winds will increase ahead of yet another trough of low pressure approaching the Southwest. Winds don’t look to be as strong as with our past storm, nor last as long, but area soils continue to dry out. With southwest winds sustained near 20 mph with higher gusts Sunday afternoon, thinking that localized blowing dust is a possibility. As a result, higher PM-10 levels in the middle to upper Moderate range can be expected. Also, an additional influx of ozone precursors ahead of the trough Sunday could raise ozone levels, but increased cloud cover may offset ozone formation. No precipitation is expected at this time.
Does this mean we are in for a windy spring?
Source: Weather Channel, AirNow
