FORECAST SUMMARY: FRIDAY October 20th, 2023, through Monday October 23th, 2023
Ozone: Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good range.
PM-2.5: PM-2.5 levels will range mostly Good, with only scattered low Moderates.
FORECAST DISCUSSION: The week ends with clouds and showers thanks to a system tracking east during the day Friday and another dropping in from the northwest Saturday. Conditions dry out and clouds decrease Sunday into Monday as high-pressure ridging builds in. Some much-needed sunshine is in the forecast as well; however, cooler temperatures continue.
As for air quality, PM2.5 concentrations have been mostly Good with only a handful of low-Moderate readings Thursday at some of our southern monitors. The two weather systems moving through Friday and Saturday should keep the atmosphere well mixed, keeping PM2.5 Good, then northwesterly winds Sunday will allow Good concentrations of PM2.5 to linger into early next week. Ozone has not been an issue, and Good concentrations will continue through the forecast period.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended models show an active period setting up as next week progresses, with precipitation back in the forecast. Southerly winds, coupled with increased moisture, could bring PM2.5 into the low Moderate range.
Next Forecast update: Monday, October 23, 2023