PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Air quality conditions across the Phoenix area showed significant improvement this New Year’s Day compared to last year, when the Valley experienced some of the worst air quality in the world.
Maricopa County air quality monitoring sites showed most locations in the good or moderate category on Wednesday morning, with just one location in south Phoenix registering in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.
Hikers embrace overcast conditions
The overcast morning did not deter people from hitting hiking trails, as many began pursuing New Year’s fitness goals. The Piestewa Peak parking lot was packed with hikers around 8 a.m.
“I’ve lost 85 pounds so every year I want to start on a fresh foot, moving forward, enjoying the beauty we have in Arizona, there is no other state like it,” one hiker said.
Another hiker said the cloudy conditions made for ideal hiking weather.
“I love it, it’s a nice break, I love the sunshine but it’s good to have a change,” she said.
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