FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, January 26th, 2024, through Monday, January 29th, 2024
PM-2.5: concentrations are expected to be in the Good to low-Moderate range.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
We end this week warmer than we started with the majority of Michigan in the 30s today, Friday. This trend continues into the weekend with surface highs ranging from the low to upper 30s. Upper-level wise, this weekend will be rather active with a high-pressure system traversing the Great Lakes all weekend, which will shift the wind direction each day through Monday. Although we will be under high-pressure, Michigan will be mostly cloudy throughout the weekend with morning fog throughout the state due to warmer surface temperatures and a melting snowpack. Sunday into Monday may see a quick passing system that will bring a wintry mix of snow and rain with little to no accumulation.
In terms of air quality, due to the melting snowpack throughout the state, PM-2.5 concentrations may reach mid-to-high Moderate levels during hours throughout the weekend, but shifting winds and passing fronts will help keep the overall air quality Good. Each morning will likely have an atmospheric inversion, so expect Moderate levels for a few hours in more populated areas due to the trapping of particulates near the surface and light winds.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
The start of next week looks somewhat similar to the end of this week with passing fronts and cloudy skies. However, warmer temperatures are on the horizon with surface temperatures expected to reach the 40s in some areas. Overall air quality is expected to remain Good.
Next Forecast Update: Monday, January 29th, 2024