Poor air quality creates hazy conditions in Phoenix-metro area
PHOENIX - There is a haze sitting over the Valley as the smoke from wildfires burning across California makes its way here to Arizona.
While it looks bad, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on Sept. 8, officials say this is actually just a haze.
In ADEQ's Phoenix area forecast, they say this is widespread haze from wildfire smoke and dust. Meteorologists there say most of this smoke is well off the ground, so there is no high pollution advisory in effect.
There is some good news: the haze is blanketing the Valley, limiting the amount of sunlight, but it still wasn't great for hikers hoping to see a view.
>>An eerie phenomenon: Wildfires cause sun, moon to glow red in Arizona
ADEQ says this weather pattern will result in strong winds across western Arizona, bringing more dust in, which will contribute to the haze.
Air Quality Hourly Forecast - Phoenix: http://azdeq.gov/node/5065
Hikers speak out
As the smoke continues to impact air quality, allergists say people should avoid strenuous activity outdoors. That is tough for hikers who just wanted to find a way to exercise amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's been a bummer with pandemic and summer and keep active. It has been a struggle, now that it's cooled down and the air quality now, you can't catch a break," said Tanner Bogar.
"I haven't seen it like that ever before," said Lisa Cocks. "There was no one up there when I was at the top. It was the first time ever you couldn't see far at all."
You can check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.
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