Phoenix, Ariz. – Residents in Maricopa County, including the Phoenix metro area, will face unhealthy air quality conditions Sunday as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory. The warning highlights elevated ozone levels that could cause health concerns, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, stagnant weather patterns paired with strong sunlight are expected to trap ozone near the surface, leading to maximum 8-hour concentrations considered unsafe. Officials urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during afternoon and early evening hours when ozone peaks.
Communities across the Valley, from Glendale and Scottsdale to Mesa and Chandler, are advised to prepare for reduced air quality. ADEQ recommends residents carpool, use public transit, or telecommute to help curb emissions. The agency also encourages delaying the use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment until later in the day.
Sunday’s alert comes as metro Phoenix continues a stretch of hot, stagnant weather, a combination that fuels ozone formation. Additional advisories may follow if conditions persist into early next week.
