Arizona Weather Alert: Dust Storms & Extreme Heat Hit the Valley!
Colaboradores
Phoenix and surrounding areas are experiencing a double whammy of weather hazards today. A hazy morning greeted Valley residents as dust, carried by winds from distant storms to the south and southeast, blanketed the region. Several Maricopa County monitors reported hazardous air quality in the early morning hours.
Dust Storms Create Hazy Conditions
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday. A Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect from 2-8 p.m. across southern Arizona and from 4-8 p.m. for western Pinal County. Outflow boundaries from storms along the Mogollon Rim may drift into the Valley, bringing the potential for gusty winds, isolated pockets of blowing dust, and spotty showers after 5 pm.
Videos and pictures from traffic cameras and residents showed the widespread dust and low visibility overnight and into the morning hours.
Remember, if you're driving during a dust storm, pull over to the right side of the road, take your foot off the brake, and turn off your car's engine and lights. Wait until visibility improves.
Extreme Heat Warning in Effect
Adding to the challenge, an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect today until 8 p.m. The Valley is expected to climb to around 113 degrees this afternoon. While temperatures will be slightly lower than yesterday, higher humidity will make it feel just as hot.
Monsoon Season Safety
These conditions are a stark reminder of the importance of safety during monsoon season. Breathing in dust spores can increase your risk of contracting Valley fever.
- Stay hydrated.
- Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
- Monitor air quality reports.
- Be prepared for sudden dust storms.
Looking Ahead
Rain chances are near 20% today, with winds likely out of the east at 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 35 mph. Rain and thunderstorm chances increase slightly tomorrow, with Valley chances near 30%. A Wednesday afternoon high of 108 degrees is expected.
Slight storm chances continue during the day Thursday before dry air returns to the state, reducing storm chances across the state for the Fourth of July weekend. Temperatures will peak near 106 degrees on Friday in Phoenix and near 110 degrees by Sunday.