PHOENIX — The Phoenix metro area is kicking off 2024 with smoke and haze. The air quality on Monday is hazardous and the primary pollutant is smoke, likely from fireworks and wood burning to keep warm, according to AirNow.
There is a pollution advisory in effect and a no-burn day, as well.
The Phoenix metro area air quality ranges from unhealthy to hazardous, meaning even those who are not usually sensitive to changes in air quality should take precautions. Starting your New Year's exercise resolutions indoors, avoiding excessive driving and carpooling when possible are all ways to combat the effects of the unhealthy air.
While everyone should stay inside, those individuals who have heart or lung diseases, older adults, children and teens should be especially cognizant of any time spent outside today. According to the National Weather Service, visibility was reduced to around 4 miles Monday morning.
The air quality on New Year's Day 2024 is not unlike the air quality Arizonans are used to, however. Because of the excessive fireworks and often cooler temperatures which lead people to burn wood for warmth, air quality on New Year's Day is often worse than your average day.
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