FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, April 5, 2024, through monday, April 8, 2024
Ozone: 8-hour average Ozone concentrations in the Good range are expected through the forecast period.
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to average Good with Moderate readings possible early next week.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Conditions dry out Friday as the storm system, which brought snow north and rain south, moves off the east coast and high pressure moves in from the west. High pressure continues to dominate our weather on Saturday, but on Sunday, a warm front associated with a low-pressure area to our southwest pulls north, bringing precipitation back into the forecast. Winds switching to a southerly component also bring in warmer air, with mild conditions anticipated early next week.
There is a lot of weather interest on Monday because of the solar eclipse. The path for viewing the eclipse ranges from greater than 90% in extreme southeast Michigan to between 70% and 80% in the western Upper Peninsula. Current forecast models show some hope of viewing based on anticipated cloud cover. The forementioned low-pressure area tracks from southwest Minnesota on Sunday afternoon to the western Great Lakes region on Monday. Models are picking up on dry air wrapping in the central and southern parts of the state Monday afternoon. While precipitation chances are not zero during this period, they are low, and the drying could decrease clouds enough to allow viewing of the eclipse. Just remember, protective eyewear is necessary when looking directly at the eclipse, so precautions should be taken.
As for air quality this forecast period, northeasterly winds will keep both ozone and PM2.5 in the Good range through Saturday. Ozone readings will remain Good through the period; however, southerly winds and increased moisture Sunday into Monday may allow for increases in PM2.5 into the low Moderate range.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show mild conditions continuing towards mid-week, with precipitation chances lingering into Tuesday. Pollution levels will likely range from Good to low-Moderate during that period.
Next Forecast Update: Monday, April 8, 2024