FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday January 17th, through Tuesday January 21st, 2025
PM-2.5:
PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good range.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Michigan ends the week on a relatively warm note with numerous areas across the state reaching the mid-to-upper 30s on Friday with more southern areas still in the 30s come Saturday. This warmth will be on the heels of the coldest temperatures we have yet to see this winter, and in the past few winters. A Low-pressure system and associated cold front will traverse across the state on Saturday with frigid arctic air behind it causing a sharp cool down towards low-single digits and zero for surface high temperatures. Due to open water over the Great Lakes, frigid air and NNW winds, lake effect snow will be sporadic throughout the weekend in the lake effect snow belts. The cool down will commence in the upper peninsula Saturday evening and by Sunday evening the entire state will be engulfed by arctic air. Temperatures start to rebound on Tuesday when winds shift to a more southerly flow due to passing pressure systems.
With Friday reaching the mid-to-upper 30s in most areas, there will be slight melting of snow which in turn will release particulates into the atmosphere, thus increasing PM-2.5 concentrations for most areas. The increase in concentrations will be slight and predominantly in the low-Moderate range, otherwise PM-2.5 concentrations are looking to remain Good. With the northerly winds and cold temperatures on the way, cleaner air will be brought in with the arctic blast. Although it will be a great weekend to stay inside and remain warm, outdoor air quality will overwhelmingly be Good.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Temperatures rebound into the low-to-mid 20s mid-to-late next week with air quality remaining in the Good range.
Next Forecast update: Tuesday January 21st, 2025