FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, May 1, 2023, through Monday, May 8, 2023

OZONE: 8-hour average ozone concentrations are expected to be mostly Good with the possibility for scattered Low Moderate during that latter half of the forecast period. 

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are also expected to be mostly Good to Low Moderate throughout the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

As we enter the month of May, the cool, damp weather of the past few days is expected to persist into mid-week under a slow moving low-pressure system.  By Wednesday, that cold, low-pressure system should be nudged out by an approaching high-pressure ridge.  That will chase the dampness away under sunny skies, but temperatures will likely remain a bit cooler than normal for this time of year.

In terms of Air Quality, ozone should not be a problem, even under the clear skies for the latter half of the forecast period.  Thursday will have mostly calm conditions which could allow some Low Moderate ozone creep in the urban areas prone to stagnation.  Friday through the weekend is showing easterly winds which typically do not cause ozone issues although some areas east of Detroit could show some Low Moderate conditions.  Cooler temperatures will help keep concentrations from creeping up, too high.

Fine particulate concentrations will likely follow the same pattern with mostly Good concentrations with the possibility of Low Moderate in the areas prone to urban stagnation during the latter half of the week.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Air Quality should be mostly Good begin the next work week.

NEXT FORECAST UPDATE: Monday, May 8, 2023