FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, April 22, 2024, through friday, April 26, 2024
OZONE: Ozone concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (Green AQI) through the forecast period.
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will remain mostly Good with only scattered Low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) readings.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
The new workweek begins with high pressure east of the region and an approaching storm system to the northwest. Between these systems, expect strong southwest winds across the state today. Dry weather conditions and low relative humidity will produce an elevated fire risk today (Monday). Red Flag Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) across much of the lower peninsula to account for the risk. Thankfully, the elevated fire risk will diminish on Tuesday as the system to the northwest brings higher humidity and precipitation as it travels west to east through the region. High pressure moves back in for Wednesday, as do cooler temperatures. Northerly winds keep dryer and cool conditions in place through Thursday.
As for air quality, stronger winds on Monday should hamper pollution development, with generally Good levels of both ozone and PM2.5. Increased moisture could allow for a few Low-Moderate PM2.5 readings across the south Tuesday, otherwise, both pollutants will be Good. Northerly winds and cooler temperatures later Wednesday into Thursday should continue the Good pollution trend. On Friday, winds change back to a southerly direction as temperatures begin warming. There is a possibility some locations may reach Low-Moderate for either ozone and/or PM2.5, but readings higher than Moderate are not anticipated.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show warmer, but wetter, conditions for the end of the week into the coming weekend. Pollution levels will likely range from Good to Low-Moderate during the period.
Next forecast update: Friday, April 26, 2024