FORECAST SUMMARY:
Friday, February 1st, 2019 through Monday, February 4th, 2019
PM-2.5: 24-hour Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Moderate through the forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
A rebound in temperatures will be experienced this weekend after the frigid cold of this past week. This happens as high pressure builds east of the state and south/southwest winds develop. On Saturday, highs will be back into the 30s and temperatures continue climbing through early next week. A weather system is expected to bring chances for mostly rain Sunday and again Monday.
As for air quality, weaker winds in place Friday will likely cause fine particulate to increase into the Moderate range, especially in southern locations. Southerly winds Saturday bring warmer temperatures and increased moisture causing more wide-spread Moderates of fine particulate. A cold front is forecast to pass the state later Monday, but before then a warm southwest flow continues. The warmer temperatures will cause snow melt, adding to the low-level moisture over the state. Mostly Moderate fine particulate will last through Monday.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended models show a cold front passing late Monday/Tuesday. The passage of this boundary should clean out any increased fine particulate. More seasonable conditions are expected by mid-week next week, along with Good air quality.