FORECAST SUMMARY:

Monday, February 1st, 2021 through Monday, February 8th, 2021

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good through the forecast period, except for the possibility of Moderates around mid-week.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

The weekend storm system pulling off to the east coast is keeping snow chances in the forecast across the southeastern part of the state. In the west. a weak trough coming through Monday allows for lakeshore precipitation. After these systems move through, high pressure brings quiet conditions for a couple days. The quiet weather is expected to be short-lived, however, with the next system approaching Thursday. Initial precipitation Thursday could be mixed but expect a change to all snow Friday as temperatures drop.

As for air quality, fine particulate Monday and Tuesday remain generally Good thanks to northerly winds. Wind speeds decrease Wednesday as high pressure moves overhead and increases of fine particulate into the Moderate range are likely. Southwest winds and warmer temperatures Thursday could keep Moderate fine particulate around. A strong cold front passing Friday brings in cold air and a return to Good air quality.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show cold air ushering over the region for the coming weekend. There is uncertainty on precipitation chances; however, the takeaway is cold northerly winds will keep fine particulate Good early next week.

Forecast Updated by Meteorologist Stephanie M. Hengesbach Monday February 1st, 2021. Next forecast update: Monday, February 8th, 2021