Phoenix, Ariz. – Residents across Maricopa and Pinal counties are being urged to limit outdoor activity through Thursday as elevated ozone levels trigger a High Pollution Advisory.
According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), stagnant weather conditions are allowing ground-level ozone to accumulate, with concentrations expected to exceed federal health standards through Thursday evening. The advisory includes the Phoenix metro area, Casa Grande, and surrounding communities.
Children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. ADEQ recommends reducing physical exertion outdoors and rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. Officials also encourage residents to carpool, telecommute, or use public transportation, and to postpone the use of gas-powered equipment until later in the day.
This is one of the season’s first multi-day ozone advisories, underscoring the challenges of summer air quality in the Valley. Ozone levels tend to peak in the afternoon and early evening, driven by vehicle emissions and heat.
The High Pollution Advisory remains in effect through Thursday, with updates available at azdeq.gov. Additional alerts may be issued if conditions persist into the weekend.
