FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday January 9th, 2023, through Monday January 16th, 2023
PM-2.5:
PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to range from Good to Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Some parts of Michigan are starting off the week to the ever-evading sun shining through evergreen branches and leaf-less trees. Unfortunately, this is short-lived as clouds return for much of the region tomorrow and last throughout the forecast period. To start off the week, surface temperatures range from the low-30s to the low-40s across Michigan with light winds hanging around the 5-10 mph range. As we approach Thursday, a Low-pressure system and associated cold front comes through and brings precipitation with it. With surface temperatures scattered across the state, the precipitation will be mixed with rain more so in the south and snow the more north you go. This frontal boundary also increases the winds into the weekend, but quickly calms down Sunday as High-pressure drifts in from the north and south and lasts essentially into next week.
In terms of air quality, with the slight increase in temperature, morning hour inversions will be in place for much of the week until the frontal boundary comes through Thursday into Friday. With the morning hour inversions, PM2.5 concentrations will increase as fine particulates become trapped under the inversion and not able to vertically disperse. These concentrations should decrease as each day carries on but will still more than likely hang around the Moderate range for the better half of the week, with some areas seeing concentrations in the middle-high Moderate range. As mentioned above, when the front passes through and the help of WNW winds, PM concentrations will be cleaned out and kept at bay as long as the wind stays steady.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
There appears to be a slight warmup as we start off next week, with southern Michigan returning to the low-40s. Overall, air quality will remain in the Good to Moderate range.
Next Forecast update: Monday January 16th, 2023