Ozone pollution advisory issued for Yuma today

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a high pollution advisory for today over the Yuma area, while temperatures remain dangerously high.

ADEQ meteorologist M. Graves said Monday ozone levels in Yuma went above the federal maximum standard both Saturday and Sunday, and were likely tied to the same high-pressure system responsible for the excessive heat expected to continue at least through today.

“Since there wasn’t any clear connection to California, it is possible that ozone had just been accumulating across the region underneath a strong, high pressure pattern,” Graves said in the daily air-quality update for Yuma.

As of Monday evening, the National Weather Service’s predicted high temperature for today in Yuma and Wellton was 120

degrees, while San Luis was a little lower at 116. The excessive heat warning for the area has been extended through Saturday.

Sunday’s ozone air quality index for Yuma was 129, where 100 stands for the federal maximum. By Wednesday, forecasters hope increased winds blowing to the south will dissipate some of the ozone precursor gases currently lingering above Yuma.

ADEQ is advising everyone in and around the city of Yuma to avoid spending prolonged periods of time outdoors, especially those with pre-existing health problems, the young and the elderly.

Residents are also being asked to keep driving to a minimum, re-fuel their vehicles after dark and take other measures to reduce ozone pollution.