FORECAST SUMMARY: Sunday, July 17th, 2022, through Monday, July 18th, 2022
OZONE: 8-hour average Ozone concentrations are expected range from Good to Moderate.
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate will primarily range from Good to low Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
A storm system in northern Illinois will track northeast towards Ontario Monday. This system increases chances for precipitation Sunday into early Monday, especially across the south. Clouds decrease from west to east Monday, and a northwest wind flow will prevail. High pressure moves over Lower Michigan on Tuesday.
As for air quality, easterly winds and increased clouds keep both ozone and fine particulate in the Good to Moderate range Sunday. Decreasing clouds and warmer temperatures Monday could allow for increases in ozone, but northwesterly winds could work against levels increasing. Looking at smoke maps, a plume from fires in Canada sinks south over the region. While this plume looks to stay at upper levels, some maps do show a potential for the plume to make its way closer to the surface. While it is unlikely that we will see widespread increased ozone on Monday, there are some ingredients in place that make it a possibility, especially in the southeast. Fine particulate both Sunday and Monday will range from upper Good to low Moderate.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Forecast models show high pressure Tuesday with southwesterly winds both at the surface and upper levels. Temperatures will also be increasing. Another forecast update will be issued on Monday to detail expected air quality conditions for the rest of the week.
Forecast updated by: Stephanie Hengesbach: Sunday, July 17th, 2022
Next Forecast update: Monday, July 18th, 2022