FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, August 25, 2023, through Monday, August 28, 2023

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate levels will range between Good and low Moderate.

OZONE: 8-hour average Ozone concentrations are expected to be mostly Good through the period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION: Hot, humid conditions ended Thursday evening as strong storms associated with a cold front moved through the southern portion of the state. Some areas are cleaning up Friday due to storm damage and several locations are without of power. Moisture lingering Friday keeps scattered light precipitation in the forecast under mostly clouds skies. Small chances for precipitation remain late Friday/early Saturday as another weaker boundary sinks through. High pressure moves in from the north Sunday, drying conditions and providing ample sunshine for the start of the new week.

While hourly ozone concentrations in the southwest reached USG for a short time Thursday afternoon clouds moved in hampering development keeping 8-hour concentrations Moderate. Ozone will not be an issue this weekend into early next week thanks to northerly winds and cooler temperatures in the 70s. Ozone concentrations through Monday should range mostly Good.

The southwest portion of the state also saw Moderate PM2.5 Thursday; however, readings Friday morning were running Good statewide. Northerly flow is expected through the period and wildfire smoke maps show only light smoke plumes over the region this weekend. We will keep an eye on this through the forecast period making updates, if necessary, but at this time smoke does not look to influence ground level PM2.5 and concentrations should range Good to low Moderate through early next week.

EXTENDED FORECAST: Extended models show the next chance for precipitation Tuesday as a cold front moves through the region. Behind that, a cool down is expected with highs only in the 60s by mid-week. Aside from possible small increases in pollution ahead of the boundary Tuesday, levels should generally be Good.

Next Forecast update: Monday, August 28, 2023