The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued PM-10 High Pollution Advisories for three separate zones across the state today, as strong and gusty winds generate widespread blowing dust capable of creating unhealthy air quality conditions for millions of residents — from the Phoenix metro to Pinal County and the Yuma area along the California border.
What PM-10 Is and Why It Matters
PM-10 is coarse particulate matter — dust particles 10 micrometers or smaller that can penetrate deep into the lungs and airways. Unlike ozone, PM-10 in Arizona is most commonly generated by wind-blown soil, dust from disturbed ground and construction sites, and haboob conditions driven by thunderstorm outflows. “Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates,” the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) stated across all three advisories. People most vulnerable are older adults, children, and anyone with asthma, heart disease or lung conditions.
Phoenix Metro: PM-10 Advisory in Effect Today
ADEQ issued a PM-10 High Pollution Advisory for Maricopa County — including the Phoenix metropolitan area — for today (Friday). Strong and gusty winds are expected to generate widespread blowing dust. Phoenix residents should reduce outdoor activity, keep windows closed, avoid gas-powered lawn equipment, and eliminate fireplace use. Check air quality levels at azdeq.gov/forecast/phoenix.
Pinal County: Advisory Extends Through Saturday
Pinal County — including Casa Grande, Florence, Coolidge and the San Tan Valley — faces a PM-10 advisory through Saturday, the longest window in the advisory package. The region’s agricultural land use and vast stretches of disturbed desert soil make it particularly prone to dust generation under gusty wind conditions.
Yuma: Advisory Through This Evening
The Yuma area — including Fortuna Foothills — is under a PM-10 advisory through this evening. Yuma’s location in the lower Colorado River Valley, surrounded by agricultural fields and desert, makes blowing dust a recurring hazard during elevated winds. Visit azdeq.gov/forecast/yuma or call 602-771-2300 for details.
What to Do During a PM-10 Advisory
Stay indoors with windows closed. Run air conditioning on recirculate mode. Wear an N-95 mask if you must go outside. If you see a dust storm approaching while driving, pull off the road immediately, park, turn lights completely off and keep your foot off the brake pedal — the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” protocol for zero-visibility haboob conditions. Track PM-10 levels at AirNow.gov.
