The view north from Kitt Peak this morning at a bit before 8 am MST shows the hazy boundary layer that has persisted much of the week. This morning was, in fact, the cleanest that air here in Tucson has appeared for several days. However, the boundary layer continues to hold suspended dust and tons of pollen - pollen counts are maxed out for some species, and those with allergies are suffering.
What's in store the next few days? The 500 mb short wave that's coming ashore in California today will stay north, brushing by southeastern Arizona, with winds kicking up and probably an upturn in dust. The early WRF-GFS forecast run at Atmo indicates southwesterly winds with speeds of 15 mph or so this afternoon. These winds are at 10-m agl and surface conditions will probably be gusty. Then as the next system moves in rapidly, and further south, the GFS forecast of 10-m winds for 4 pm MST on Friday the 13th (above) indicates widespread strong winds across the state. So no relief in sight for those whose eyes and noses are watering and running. The GFS forecast of total precipitation through 11 pm on Friday (below) does indicate light showers across western Pima County by then. We can hope that there'll be enough precipitation to clean up the air some. It also appears that high temperatures this coming weekend will be on the order of 30F cooler than they were over Easter weekend. So, another mid-month weather event for southeastern Arizona.
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