Summer Heat

Chris Reits loaded palm tree trimmings into a chipper under the summer sun on June 12. Tucson’s average temperature in June was more than 2 degrees above normal.

An air quality health watch was issued yesterday and another has been issued today.

The watch was put in place because high amounts of ground-level ozone air pollution are expected, a news release from the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality said. 

Many types of emissions can contribute to this, such as vehicles running, industrial plants, and gasoline vapors, the release says. 

Those who are sensitive to air pollution should take extra precautions and limit outdoor activity. Children, those with respiratory diseases, and people who are exceptionally active outdoors should also take extra care.

To help reduce ground-level ozone, it's recommended to reduce driving and avoid long drive-thru lines that could cause your car to idle. It's also suggested to pump gas after temperature peak hours and double check that your gas cap is correctly sealed.

According to the release, you can also use less electricity, which can reduce emissions from power plants.

And if you're wondering why you saw hazy skies this morning, it's due to the smoke from the Bruno Fire, which is burning northeast of Douglas. 

The Department of Environmental Quality said in a separate news release that winds changed directions this morning, so smoke is no longer verging into the Tucson area. However, smoke could return if the Bruno Fire continues to burn.


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Contact reporter Gloria Knott at gknott@tucson.com or 573-4235. On Twitter: @gloriaeknott