Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Monsoon Cool Down and Decent Air Quality, Week of July 15

Staff Writer, Nathaniel Diaz
Weather / Air Quality
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Today's Air Quality
Forecast Discussion: Forecast models did very well with Sunday's storms in regards to timing and location. Areas in the southeast Valley are cleaning up this morning after severe weather rolled through the area. Reports of hail, downed trees, winds in excess of 60 mph and over an inch of rain in less than an hour came in as the storm moved west. Typically after a storm like that, the Valley is tapped of energy and the following day is a down-day. However, models are in agreement that we could see another round Monday afternoon. They differ slightly on whether storms move through the Valley or skirt metro area to the north and south, merging again in western Maricopa County. There could be isolated downpours, hazardous lightning, damaging winds, and hail. This will be the last chance for rain until next Sunday or Monday as the monsoon high moves to northern California. Much drier air moves into Arizona by Wednesday. Expect middle Moderate ozone levels through Wednesday. PM10 levels should be back in the Good range following Sunday's rain event and any subsequent precipitation on Monday.


Source: AIRNow, Weather Channel