FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday October 18th, 2024 through Monday October 21st
OZONE:
8-hour average Ozone concentrations are expected to be Good through the forecast period.
PM-2.5:
24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average between Good and Low-Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
After a rather Fall-like week, surface temperatures increase throughout this upcoming weekend with the 70-degree mark making its return throughout the state. High-pressure is set up just to our southeast which is bringing warmer air via southwesterly flow. Starting with today, Friday, each of the next two or three days are essentially copy and paste of one another with clear skies, plenty of sunshine and above average temperatures. Due to the High-pressure to our south, winds will be rather light as well, so PM-2.5 concentrations may increase into the upper Moderate range in the morning hours but will slowly dissipate throughout each day. Ozone will continue to be a non-issue as we round out the middle of October and count down the days to the end of the 2024 Ozone season.
There appears to be a plume of upper-level wildfire smoke that will hang around the Great Lakes region throughout this weekend. The aforementioned High-pressure will bring the smoke towards the Great Lakes and the smoke will then rotate around the High-pressure interfering with our blue skies. None of the smoke is expected to reach the surface but will, however, gray out some skies and provide colorful sunrises and sunsets.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
The 70-degree temperatures continue into the next week until Wednesday when a Low-pressure and cold front enters the region. Overall air quality will remain in the Good range.
Next Forecast Update: Monday, October 21st, 2024