FORECAST SUMMARY: Tuesday, january 2nd, 2024, through friday, January 5th, 2024
PM-2.5: PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good to low-Moderate range.
FORECAST DISCUSSION: 2024 is here and the New Year provides us with seasonably normal surface temperatures this week with a chance of precipitation for much of the state. A Low-pressure system hangs out just to our north over Lake Superior the beginning of this week and slowly moves south on Wednesday going into Thursday. It is when this Low-pressure and cold front move south that parts of Michigan may see some precipitation—mainly along the lake-effect snowbelts. Little accumulation is expected, however. If sunshine is what was wished for in the new year, the unfortunate news is that January is statistically the cloudiest month for Michigan. Although, after the Low-pressure moves out early Thursday, a High-pressure system quickly moves through and will provide us with some sunshine during the day. But as quickly as it appears, it will disappear, returning cloudy for the latter half of the week and into the weekend.
For PM-2.5 concentrations, Good to Moderate conditions are expected with light winds in place during the morning hours. The changes in airmass this week will help keep fresh air in the region and restrict any buildup in high concentrations.
EXTENDED FORECAST: Cloudiness returns for the weekend after some sun on Thursday, but overall air quality will be Good.
Next Forecast Update: Friday, January 5th, 2024