FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday June 30th, 2023, through Saturday July 1st, 2023
OZONE: Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the USG to Unhealthy range.
PM-2.5: PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the USG to Unhealthy range.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Although PM-2.5 concentrations appear to be improving throughout the state this Friday morning, we still expect PM-2.5 levels to be above the alert-able USG threshold for a 24-hour average today and tomorrow, Saturday. We do not expect to see Very Unhealthy concentrations which were seen earlier this week, but hourly concentrations in the Unhealthy range can be expected. To compound the wildfire smoke, 4th of July festivities including firework displays will contribute to PM-2.5 concentrations, so this a reason why concentrations may increase on an hourly basis throughout each day during this weekend and into next week.
As mentioned in yesterday’s forecast, Ozone joins in on the alert for today and into tomorrow. Ozone was expanded to statewide today because USG to Unhealthy Ozone levels were seen statewide yesterday. Since the same airmass is in place, no strong wind shift, and even more sunlight today, we expect Ozone to reach the same levels as it did yesterday and just as much widespread across the state. Tomorrow will see more clouds throughout the state, so we expect Ozone to decrease in concentration and not have as much energy needed to produce.
EXTENDED FORECAST: Sunday appears to have more clouds and larger increase in chances of rain, so that will help the overall air quality improve.
Next Forecast Update: Saturday July 1st, 2023