2/14/2020 Forecast Update
FORECAST SUMMARY:
Friday, February 14th, 2020 through Tuesday, February 18th, 2020
PM-2.5: 24-hour Fine Particulate concentrations will range between Good and middle Moderate through the forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
High pressure sliding overhead Friday will end Lake Effect snows over the western portion of the state. Gusty southwest winds develop Saturday as the high pushes east and a frontal boundary approaches from the northwest. This front will bring snow in the forecast from northwest to southeast Saturday; significant accumulations are not expected. High pressure builds back in to start the new week; however, a system approaching from the west/southwest on Presidents Day will bring warmer temperatures and chances for both rain and snow; rain should be confined to southern areas.
As for air quality, a weaker northerly wind should keep fine particulate mostly Good Friday. Strong southwest winds Saturday will allow Good fine particulate to continue. Weak high pressure Sunday produces lighter winds, especially in the southeast; this could cause some Moderate fine particulate. With southerly winds and increased moisture on Monday, more widespread Moderate fine particulate is expected.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show the Presidents Day system pulling east by Tuesday with a good northwesterly wind developing. Any buildup of fine particulate should improve to Good Tuesday, and Good readings are expected to continue through mid-week.