FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, April 1, 2024, through Friday, April 5, 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 be mostly Good with only small chances for low-Moderate readings.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 With today, Monday, being the start of April, we will officially begin forecasting ozone for the 2024 season. High pressure dominates weather conditions most of Monday before precipitation moves in ahead of a low-pressure area that sets up over the region through mid-week. This system will produce unsettled conditions with rain showers in the forecast starting Monday afternoon or evening across southern locations; precipitation further north holds off until Tuesday. As temperatures fall Tuesday, precipitation may mix with or change over to snow, especially in northern areas. The slow-moving storm finally moves east of the region on Thursday, drying conditions out for the end of the week. Cooler temperatures are in the forecast this week, with readings improving as we move into the coming weekend.

 As for air quality, pollution levels are starting the period in the Good range and ozone levels through the forecast period will remain Good. Wind speeds, especially in the southeastern portion of the state, may decrease for a time Wednesday as the storm positions itself overhead. Fine particulate levels in the low-Moderate range may be a possibility during this period, however, most locations will remain Good. Any increases in fine particulate improve Thursday as northwest winds develop behind the departing systems. 

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Extended forecast models show dry conditions as high pressure moves in from the west. The extended period should begin with Good air quality, but, low Moderate fine particulate readings may develop late in the period as winds decrease and warmer air moves in.

Next Forecast, April 5, 2024