FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 3, 2025, through Friday, March 7, 2025
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will range between Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) through the forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Monday starts relatively quiet, aside from some light precipitation across the south. The big weather maker comes in Tuesday into Wednesday as a low-pressure area travels from northern Missouri Tuesday evening to the Saginaw Bay area Wednesday evening. Precipitation moves in well ahead of the system with freezing rain possible overnight Monday into early Tuesday across the northern portions of the state. As the system moves closer, precipitation chances increase, and surface temperatures are expected to warm enough for all rain Tuesday. Wet conditions continue Wednesday as the system passes through, and a wide range in temperatures is likely, with 30s north to 50s south. As the system pulls away, strong winds usher in cold air from the north. Temperatures start falling in the Upper Peninsula early Wednesday, then continue south into Wednesday evening. As temperatures fall, rain is expected to change over to snow. Light precipitation ends Thursday as high pressure settles in.
As for air quality, increasing moisture and southerly winds through early Wednesday produces an environment more prone to increased fine particulate, especially across southern locations. Expect concentrations of fine particulate to range from Good north to low Moderate south through Wednesday. Strong, northerly winds developing later Wednesday bring in a clean airmass and Good fine particulate levels are anticipated Thursday. A weak system may pass through Friday, bringing in snow showers north and rain south. Fine particulate levels late in the week could return to low Moderate across the south.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
The extended weather models show dry conditions Saturday with hints at another system moving in on Sunday. Fine particulate levels during this period should not be higher than low Moderate.
Next Forecast update: Friday, March 7, 2025