FORECAST SUMMARY:
Monday, March 8th, 2021 through Monday, March 15th, 2021
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to range from middle Good to middle Moderate through the forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
A spring warm up is expected this week as southerly winds help increase temperatures into the 50–60 degree range across portions of the state. The warmer conditions will be accompanied by increased chances for rain Wednesday into Thursday as a cold front moves through. Also expect will be melting snow in areas where accumulations still exist. Dry weather returns later in the week as high pressure settles overhead.
As for air quality, a weak front brings some clouds Monday, but the boundary pulls back north Tuesday bringing with it increased moisture and southerly winds. Fine particulate levels Monday will remain between Good and low Moderate, and readings should generally remain upper Good to middle Moderate through mid-week. Increasing chances for precipitation and stronger southerly winds should hamper a significant increase in fine particulate into Thursday; upper Good to middle Moderates should remain in place. Northerly winds develop by Friday as high pressure sinks in from the northwest ending the workweek with Good fine particulate.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show high pressure dominating Saturday with lighter winds, and the next system brings precipitation back late Sunday/early Monday. Without a prolonged period of stagnation through early next week, fine particulate higher than low to middle Moderate are not anticipated