FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, August 30, 2024, through Tuesday, September 3, 2024
OZONE:
8-hour average Ozone concentrations are expected to range mostly Good (Green AQI).
PM-2.5:
24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average between Good and Moderate (Yellow AQI).
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
As we move into the Labor Holiday weekend, weather conditions will feature two frontal boundaries. The first boundary passes through Friday, and chances for showers and storms come into play as it moves through. Weather conditions dry out for Saturday, and temperatures in the 80s are expected. The second boundary may bring precipitation to the northern portions of Michigan, but the rest of the state should remain dry. What will be most noticeable with this front will be the cooler temperatures moving into the region. Weather conditions Sunday through the Labor Day holiday will be dry, with highs generally in the 70s.
Ozone concentrations may continue in the Moderate range in southern portions of the state Friday and Saturday; however, cooler temperatures on a northerly wind will allow for Good concentrations the rest of the forecast period.
As for fine particulate, concentrations Friday and Saturday should continue in the upper Good and low Moderate ranges. An airmass change with air from Canada usually produces low pollution levels, but smoke models are showing wildfire smoke sinking into the region behind the Sunday boundary. At this time, northern portions of the state may see increases in fine particulate early next week; however, only minor ground-level influence is expected, and any increases should only be into the low to middle Moderate range. We expect fine particulate concentrations through the Labor Day holiday to reach no higher than middle Moderate; however, we will be keeping an eye on conditions, and we will update this forecast if readings higher than Moderate become a possibility.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show cooler and dry conditions into mid-week next week. Air quality should continue to range between Good and Moderate.
Next Forecast Update: Tuesday, September 3, 2024