FORECAST SUMMARY: Tuesday February 21st, 2023, through Monday February 27th, 2023
PM-2.5: PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to range from Good to low-Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Unseasonably warm temperatures come to an end this week as a potential winter storm will impact all of Michigan Wednesday into Thursday. The most impactful timeframe will be Wednesday evening through Thursday morning with more ice potential in the southern portions of the state and upwards of 6-10+ inches of snow possible for northern portions of Michigan. This system exits the area Thursday afternoon and leaves a swath of mixed precipitation and temperatures ranging the from upper teens to low 30s depending on the north or south location in Michigan. Accompanying this storm are strong winds with wind gusts upwards of 35 mph predominantly from the northeast. Going into the weekend, High-pressure sets up to our west and then to our east as the weekend carries on. Temperatures hover around the upper-20s and low-30s with shifting south to southwesterly winds. Monday sees a slight warmup with the majority of Michigan above the freezing mark with the help of southeast winds.
In term of air quality, ample winds to start off this week has helped to keep PM2.5 concentrations at bay and in the Good to low-Moderate category. The impending system mid-week will help keep the concentrations at bay even more so, especially with the increase in winds. As winds subside going into the weekend, PM2.5 concentrations will have the chance to increase but a cooler atmosphere will help keep concentrations lower as warmer temperatures and melting of snow does not look to happen until early next week.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
After a slight warmup on Monday, temperatures return to seasonal norms as a frontal boundary comes through early Tuesday morning. Overall air quality will remain Good.
Next Forecast update: Monday February 21st, 2023