FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 18, 2024, through Friday, March 22, 2024
PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be generally Good.
FORECAST DISCUSSION: St. Patrick’s Day weekend was generally awash with the color green. However, as we greet this Monday morning, many areas are greeted with yet another dusting of snow. On the other hand, the vernal equinox, which marks the start of the astronomical season of Spring, occurs this Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 p.m. ET. This is good news for us who yearn for the warmer seasons. The other good news is Air Quality is Good from coast-to-coast and border-to border. Rarely do we see it when the green AQI covers the whole country with no exceptions.
Our current cooler weather can be attributed to a high pressure ridge in the central plains which is driving our winds from the northwest. An approaching clipper system, during Tuesday, will push those winds down to more of a westerly direction and allow for some warming into the 40’s. As that clipper passes to our north late Tuesday, it will drag a cold front through the area and keep Wednesday’s temperatures in the low 30’s back under more northwesterly winds.
High pressure on Thursday will give us our only sunny skies for the work week. Winds will diminish and the best chance for any Low Moderates could occur in the more urban areas due to stagnation. Another wave of low pressure looks to pass through the Great Lakes late Thursday through Friday with the possibility of another shot of snow showers before a gradual warming cycle through the weekend.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Air Quality should be generally Good to begin the weekend.
Next Forecast, March 22, 2024