FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, December 13, 2024, through Monday, December 16, 2024
OZONE:
November marks the end of the 2024 ozone season. The 2025 ozone season will begin on March 1st.
PM-2.5:
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average between Good (Green AQI) and Moderate (Yellow AQI).
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
The forecast period starts with quiet conditions Friday as high pressure moves overhead. High pressure will change the wind flow, finally ending lake effect snow showers that have been prevalent for a few days now. Cold air is in place and clearing skies Friday night allow for overnight lows to dip close to or below zero in many locations, especially further north. On Saturday, the high slides east of the Great Lakes region, and southerly winds develop ahead of the next weather system. This system tracks through the state Saturday night into Sunday, and precipitation may start as a mix before temperatures warm enough for the precipitation to be primarily rain. Yet another system drops in from Canada early next week, which will keep precipitation in the forecast.
As for air quality, clean air has filtered into the region this week, so expect primarily Good daily fine particulate averages on Friday, aside from a few low Moderate readings in the more urban areas of the state. As southerly winds bring increased moisture and warmer air into the region, we anticipate fine particulate readings to increase. Fine particulate readings for Saturday through early next week will average from upper Good to mid Moderate.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show high pressure returning, along with cooler conditions behind the Monday system. If this forecast pans out, a return to Good air quality can be expected.
Next Forecast Update: Monday December 16th, 2024