A High Pollution Advisory (HPA) is issued when it is either imminent or there is a high probability for ozone or particulate matter (PM) levels to exceed the federal health standard. An HPA encourages people to limit outdoor activities, reduce their driving along with other activities related to air pollution. An HPA may also alert businesses to implement their travel reduction plans. Depending on the severity of the advisory, more individuals may begin to experience health effects, especially children and adults with respiratory problems. The air quality forecast will provide additional details on the expected severity of the HPA as determined by the forecast’s Air Quality Index (AQI) | Learn more about Air Quality Forecasts >

What’s the difference between a High Pollution Watch and a High Pollution Advisory?

ADEQ issues a High Pollution Watch (HPW) when air quality forecasts show the potential for ozone or PM levels to exceed the federal health standard. HPWs suggest caution and are issued two to five days in advance giving the public increased lead time to plan their actions. The HPW will be upgraded to an HPA the day before if conditions remain favorable for an exceedance. 

ADEQ issues an HPA when air quality forecasts show an imminent or high probability for ozone or PM levels to exceed the federal health standard.

Subscribe to ADEQ’s Air Quality Forecasts

Subscribe to receive air quality forecast emails Monday through Friday from ADEQ. When selecting subscription topics, select Air Quality, proceed to the next page, select Air Quality Forecast, and then select desired locations. You then will be prompted to provide your phone number, if you’d like to receive a daily SMS (text) message in addition to the email (applies to all forecasts except Dust Risk) | Subscribe to ADEQ Air Quality Alerts > 

While Air Quality Forecasts are intended for the general public, ADEQ provides separate email notifications for permitted operations in Maricopa and Pinal Counties related to dust. Dust Risk forecasts can be found here | Maricopa County > | Pinal County >

Portions of Maricopa, Pinal, & Yavapai Counties During HPAs

Portions of Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties that surround the Phoenix metropolitan area are known as Area A and have specific requirements in place during HPAs to help the state achieve and maintain federal air quality standards | Area A and Area B Explained > | View eMap >

Activities that are not permitted in Area A during HPAs: 

• Use of an off-highway vehicle (OHV) (including all-terrain or off-road recreation motor vehicles) on an unpaved surface that is not a public or private road, street or easement, except at designated locations and events where dust controls are in place | Arizona OHV Guide >
• Operation of leaf blowers (except in vacuum mode) by city, town and county employees and contractors (residents and private contractors within the area are discouraged from using blowers as well) | Learn More About Leaf Blower Restrictions > 
• Residential wood burning (except in EPA-approved wood stoves and fireplace inserts) unless it is the sole source of heat | View Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Section 11-871 >

These steps, in combination with emissions control programs, support better air quality and help protect community health on days when air pollution levels are elevated. 

Resources for Area A 

In addition to alerts from ADEQ, Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) provides guidance and rules related to burning activities | Learn More on MCAQD's Website >