FORECAST SUMMARY:
Monday, September 14th, 2020 through Monday, September 21st, 2020
OZONE: 8-Hour average Ozone concentrations will be mostly Good through the forecast period.
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations will be mostly Good.
FORECAST DISCUSSION
The forecast week looks to be mostly sunny, dry and comfortable with Good Air Quality. During Monday, a high pressure ridge slides eastward putting the Midwest under warm and dry southwest winds. At the same time, westerly winds aloft are bringing in smoke from the western fires. Skies will be noticeably less blue with colorful sunrise and sunsets. Fortunately, the high level of smoke plume should not filter down to the surface in amounts that could significantly affect our Air Quality.
Southwest winds, behind the high pressure will drive temperatures to near 80 degrees, by Wednesday afternoon. As such, Wednesday looks to be the best chance for any Moderate ozone levels.
The passage of a cold front, Wednesday, will place the region into a cooler air mass and Good Air Quality. Night-time temperatures, Thursday and Friday, could drop as low as the mid-30’s. By Sunday and Monday, surface winds shifting from southeast to southwest will provide another warming trend, but I expect Air Quality to remain Good.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Air Quality should be mostly Good going into next week.
Forecast updated by Jim Haywood: Monday, September 14th, 2020
Next forecast update: Monday, September 21st, 2020