5/22/2020 Forecast Update
FORECAST SUMMARY:
Friday, May 22nd, 2020 through Tuesday, May 26th, 2020
OZONE: 8-Hour average Ozone concentrations will be mostly Good with a few Moderates possible.
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations will range from upper Good to low Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
An upper level system in Ohio is keeping clouds across much of the state Friday with more in the way of sunshine in upper locations. Scattered light precipitation may also be seen in the south as the system pulls northeast. Southeasterly winds and clouds will keep air quality Good for both ozone and fine particulate.
Weak surface ridging builds in late Friday into Saturday ahead of the next system which brings storms in the forecast later Saturday through early Sunday. What will be most noted will be the increase in temperatures and humidity levels as the weekend progresses making it feel very summer-like. While the holiday weekend will not be a complete washout, upper level disturbances moving through will keeping chances for storms in the forecast through the Memorial Day Holiday.
As for air quality, on and off clouds will be around through the weekend and as mentioned, so will chances for storms. But sunshine will be experienced at times and if precipitation holds off, increases of ozone into the Moderate range is a possibility. Weaker winds from the south and increased moisture could allow fine particulate to reach Moderate, especially across southern locations.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show a boundary becoming positioned over the state into next week. This will keep scattered clouds and precipitation in the forecast, along with warm, humid conditions. Ozone and fine particulate during this time is not expected to reach higher than Moderate.