FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, July 14th, 2023, through Saturday, July 15th, 2023
OZONE: 8-hour average Ozone concentrations will range between Good and Moderate.
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate levels will range from Good to Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Smoke forecast models show a large plume originating from wildfires in western and central Canada sinking in from the northwest behind a frontal boundary late Friday into Saturday. As the plume tracks southeast, increases in ground level PM2.5 are expected in the Upper Peninsula. With that, an Air Quality Action Day has been issued for some Upper Peninsula counties.
Across the rest of the state, PM2.5 concentrations should not reach higher than Moderate on Saturday. However, as the boundary and plume both continue moving south/southeast, the rest of the state may experience elevated PM2.5 levels on Sunday. We will be evaluating updated smoke and forecast models Saturday morning to determine if an Air Quality Action Day will need to be issued for Sunday.
The forementioned boundary will bring in the threat for showers and storms at the end of this week. During this period ozone concentrations should remain in check with readings higher than Moderate not expected.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Forecast models show an unsettled weather period with on and off chances for precipitation. There are signs the smoke plume could clear the region early next week, but conditions will be evaluated daily until the threat for increased pollution ends across the state.
Forecast updated by: Stephanie Hengesbach on Friday, July 14th, 2023
Next Forecast Update: Saturday, July 15th, 2023