FORECAST SUMMARY: Tuesday, January 3, 2023, through Monday, January 9, 2023

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate will range between Good and Moderate through the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Weather systems over the region keep cloudy conditions through Thursday. Mild temperatures until midweek allows associated precipitation to be in the form of rain south. Cooler temperatures filter in late Wednesday into Thursday changing rain to snow. Accumulating snow is expected further north, however, little to no accumulation will be seen across central and southern Michigan. Weak high pressure slides in for a short time Friday before another system tracking across the Ohio River Valley brings light precipitation across southern portions of the state Saturday. Behind this system, high pressure settles in from the northwest producing dry conditions.

As for air quality, increased surface moisture helps keep fine particulate in the middle Good to middle Moderate range through Thursday. Winds switch to a northwesterly direction Friday improving air quality to more widespread Good readings. Weak winds Saturday may allow for increases of fine particulate to the Moderate range further south, but northeasterly winds developing late Saturday into Sunday should improve any buildup. Fine particulate late in the week will range from Good to low Moderate.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended models show high pressure dominating early next week. Weaker winds by Monday could allow for increases in fine particulate, but levels higher than Moderate are not expected.

Next Forecast update: Monday, January 9, 2023