The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an ozone high pollution advisory (HPA) for Friday.
The HPA is being issued because a strong high pressure system is responsible for light winds, clear skies and predicted temperatures that could top 110 degrees.
Ozone is an invisible gas created when the sun heats other pollutants in the air. Besides the Valley’s own ozone production, ozone may travel to Arizona from Southern California.
“Excessive heat is conducive to the formation of ozone,” said ADEQ Air Quality Division Director Eric Massey. “Coupled with the transport of ozone from the west, our forecasters are predicting elevated concentrations of ozone in the Phoenix area.”
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department will enforce its mandatory “No Burn Day” restrictions during the HPA Friday. This restriction includes individuals and businesses that have burn permits for open burning.
ADEQ recommends that children and adults with respiratory problems avoid outdoor activities on Friday and suggests the general public limit outdoor activity throughout the day.
