FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 15, 2024, through Friday, March 18, 2024
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be in the Good range through the forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION: This forecast period starts with dry weather and mild temperatures. A more unsettled pattern develops by Saturday, however, due to a storm system tracking across the northern Great Lakes region. An associated cold front will move from northwest to southeast during the day on Saturday. Precipitation further north may start as rain but transitions to snow as cold air moves in. Less precipitation is expected across the southern portion of the state. Cooler air filters in statewide late in the weekend, which kicks in lake effect snows for the most prone north-to-northwest wind flow locations. Cold air is reinforced Monday as another boundary drops in from the north. Cooler temperatures linger until mid-week next week.
As for air quality, weak northerly winds are aiding in Good readings statewide Friday morning. Winds will switch to a southwesterly direction for a short time ahead of the Saturday system, but past that, gusty winds Saturday and cooler air coming in on a northerly flow both Sunday and Monday will keep fine particulate levels in the Good range.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show below normal temperatures continuing towards mid-week. Mostly Good fine particulate levels are expected during this period.
Next Forecast, March 18, 2024