Forecast Update 2/22/2021
FORECAST SUMMARY:
Monday, February 22nd, 2021 through Monday, March 1st, 2021
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to range from middle Good to middle/upper Moderate through the forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
The weather forecast this week shows periods of snow as a couple of disturbances pass by. Moderating temperatures are also in the forecast which could reach above freezing at times. The warmer conditions are expected to last through the week and readings may be warm enough for precipitation to fall as rain at times. The highest chances for precipitation will be late Monday/early Tuesday, and again Wednesday. After the Wednesday system, weak high pressure moves in.
As for air quality, the weak front Monday decreased fine particulate concentrations but with warmer temperatures in place some locations may stay low Moderate. Over the next few days, west/northwest winds develop in the wake of each system, however, the flow quickly turns back southerly. Also, moderating temperatures continue over the region. Weak to southerly winds and warmer temperatures over the snowpack will likely keep Moderate fine particulate through Wednesday. By Thursday, high pressure moves in and moderating temperatures remain. Weaker winds and continued snowmelt will allow for increased fine particulate and mostly Moderate readings are expected.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show storm systems both Saturday and Monday. The exact timing of each is uncertain; however, warmer temperatures remain through the weekend keeping fine particulate mostly Moderate. A cooler and stronger northwest flow is anticipated behind the system early next week. If that pans out, fine particulate will improve Monday into Tuesday.