FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, February 2nd, 2024, through Monday February 5th, 2024

PM-2.5: concentrations are expected to be in the Good to low-Moderate range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION: One month down already in 2024 as February starts off with Spring-like temperatures and relatively sunny conditions. After a week of somewhat cloudy and foggy conditions, a High-pressure system lingers in the Great Lakes region for the length of the weekend ahead which will provide clear conditions. Surface temperatures throughout the weekend will range from the low-40s to mid-40s, but with the sun shining, it may feel a tad warmer. Wind direction will be shifting all weekend due to the High-pressure system moving around the Great Lakes. Although winds on Sunday will be northerly, surface temperatures will still be in the 40s due to upper-level patterns bringing warmer air to the area. These northerly winds will carry into Monday with the start of next week looking almost identical to Sunday in terms of sunshine and warmer surface temperatures.

In terms of air quality, PM-2.5 will start off in the Good range and slowly approach the low-Moderate range as the weekend comes to a close. With the High-pressure in place, winds will be light and will allow for particulates to hang around longer before dispersing. The morning hours, especially, will see more Moderate concentrations in the more populated areas, but winds, although light, will pick up throughout the day and help to clean out the airmass.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

The warm temperatures this weekend carry into the next week with some areas in the 50s towards the latter half of the week. High-pressure slowly moves off to the east, so winds will continue to be light which will allow for some Moderate PM-2.5 concentrations. Overall air quality will range from Good to Moderate into the next week.

Next Forecast Update: Monday, February 5th, 2024