The stage is set today (Friday) for a windy afternoon/evening as a storm system drops into the state from the northwest. We expect westerly winds of 25-35mph to develop this afternoon, which will likely produce pockets of blowing dust and transport dust into the region from the deserts of California. Based on the wind and dust earlier this week, we are not expecting the 24-hour PM-10 (dust) average to exceed the federal health standard; however, we are expecting elevated hourly PM-10 values this afternoon/evening, so if you are sensitive to dust you may want to limit your outdoor activity later today.

This system will also keep afternoon high temperatures in the mid-80s through tomorrow. As this system moves east of the state late Saturday, a weak ridge of high pressure will build over the area, resulting in lighter winds and afternoon highs rising back into the 90s Monday and Tuesday.

As for air quality, we already mentioned the dust above, but when it comes to ozone, forecasting it to be in the Good AQI category through tomorrow before rising back into the low Moderate AQI category Sunday through the first part of next week.

Have a great weekend!

- M. Pace
ADEQ Meteorologist