FORECAST SUMMARY: friday, july 7, 2023 through sunday, july 9, 2023
OZONE: 8-hour average Ozone concentrations will range between Good and Moderate.
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate levels will also range between Good to Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
High pressure in control Friday provides comfortable, less humid conditions. A storm system moves through the region Saturday bringing precipitation chances from west to east starting late Friday night into Saturday. High pressure then moves back into the area drying conditions out Sunday into Monday.
As for air quality, plenty of sunshine will be seen Friday, however, cooler surface and upper-level temperatures keep ozone Good to low Moderate. Clouds increase Saturday and precipitation moves into the forecast as well. These conditions should keep ozone in the Good range. Clouds decrease Sunday as high pressure moves in, but cooler temperatures and northerly winds allow for ozone to average Good to Moderate.
Smoke forecast models keep thick smoke out of the region through the coming weekend. With that, we anticipate fine particulate levels to remain mostly Good to low Moderate. The only exception would be in locations yet holding fireworks displays in celebration of the July 4th holiday. Any evening hourly PM2.5 increases should improve by late morning/early afternoon the following day.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Forecast models show sunny, warmer conditions by Monday as winds switch to more of a southerly direction. With that, the threat for increased ozone exists. This forecast will be updated Sunday to determine if ozone readings will increase to levels requiring an Action Day.
Next Forecast update: Sunday, July 9, 2023