Dust Risk-Based Forecast | Pinal County

Updated On: 09/29/20 - 9:07 AM

Wednesday

Stagnation: Light stagnation

Wind: Light becoming west to west-northwest 4-9 mph

Thursday

Stagnation: Light stagnation

Wind: Light becoming west to west-northwest 3-8 mph

Friday

Stagnation: Light stagnation

Wind: Light becoming west to west-northwest 3-8 mph

Saturday

Stagnation: Light stagnation

Wind: Light becoming west to west-southwest 3-8 mph

Sunday

Stagnation: Light stagnation

Wind: Light becoming west 3-8 mph

Forecast Discussion:

High pressure will continue to dominate the western United States as we head through this work week and into this upcoming weekend. Additionally the above normal temperatures will continue as the daily high temperatures reach low triple digits. With a pathetic Monsoon (i.e. dry) and the hot conditions continuing, the byproduct is elevated particulates which can be intensified by local dust causing activities. This is what occurred at Hidden Valley on Monday and is forecast to occur over the next handful of days as early morning light easterly winds combine with local dust generating operations to the east of the monitor and bring the possibility for PM10 spikes and elevated hourly PM10 averages. Therefore more PM10 exceedances at Hidden Valley are possible and are reflected in the dust risk forecasts (high risks Wednesday through Friday). The forecasted early morning wind conditions for this weekend are slightly less favorable for PM10 spikes at Hidden Valley and so have moderate dust risks forecast, though that is subject to change. Therefore check back tomorrow for an updated dust risk forecast.

- S.DiBiase
Pinal County Air Quality Meteorologist