FORECAST SUMMARY: Thursday, December 21, 2023, through Tuesday, December 26, 2023
PM-2.5: PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Unseasonably warm weather is still forecast as we approach the Christmas holiday, with temperatures around 40 degrees on Thursday increasing into the 50s in southern locations early next week. Chances for precipitation exist during this forecast period. The first arrives later, Friday into Saturday, as a disturbance lifts a warm front north through the state. The southerly flow developing at that time brings in both increased moisture and precipitation. A short break in precipitation is expected Sunday, but the next system enters the region, bringing rain back into the forecast on Christmas day.
Fine particulate readings in the past few days have been mostly Good, but on Wednesday, some locations in the south reached into the low Moderate range. For this forecast period, I anticipate a mix of Good to Moderate fine particulate levels. Warmer temperatures and southerly winds may allow for increases; however, the systems moving through will hamper any long-term stagnation where pollutants will significantly develop.
EXTENDED FORECAST: Extended models show chances for precipitation lingering into mid-week next week, but a cooling trend is expected as well. Pollution levels in the extended forecast should continue in the Good to Moderate range.
Next Forecast Update: Tuesday, December 26, 2023