FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 10, 2025, through Friday, March 14, 2025
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will range from Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI) during this forecast period.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
We can expect spring-like weather across Michigan this week. Above-normal temperatures and plentiful sunshine dominate Monday, but a quick cool down is expected Tuesday before warmer air makes a return mid-week. While a few locations in the north may see light precipitation late Monday into Tuesday as the boundary passes, most locations will remain dry. High pressure moving in behind the cold front sets up warm southerly winds, bringing a return to above-normal temperatures. Dry conditions with a fair amount of sunshine are also anticipated for the rest of the workweek. High temperatures by Friday are expected to range from the 50s in the north to around 70 degrees south.
The warmer temperatures and sunshine on Monday will cause snow to melt in areas where snow still exists. This increased surface moisture often produces increases in fine particulate levels; however, stronger winds developing, especially in the north where snow remains, will hamper pollution development. Good to low-Moderate fine particulate readings can be expected Monday. Northwesterly winds behind the cold front on Tuesday should keep air quality Good across the state. As temperatures increase and southerly winds develop past mid-week, fine particulate levels should also increase into the Moderate range.
The 2025 ozone season officially started on March 1st; however, we don’t typically begin forecasting for ozone until May. With the warmer temperatures expected, I wanted to mention that we expect maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations this week to remain in the Good range. As always, we will update this air quality forecast if our thoughts on the current trends change.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
The extended weather models show a strong weather system moving in for the end of the week. Despite its uncertain track and strength, this system is expected to bring showers and storms. Air quality levels higher than the Moderate range are not expected during this period.
Next Forecast update: Friday, March 14, 2025