FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, January 30th, 2023, through Monday, February 6th, 2023

PM-2.5:
PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to range from Good to Moderate.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Recent snow brought the majority of Michigan back into the Winter season with colder temperatures than we have been accustomed to on the way as well.

The first half of the week will see on and off snow flurries with the majority staying to the west along the Lake Michigan shoreline. WNW winds will enhance these lake-effect snow showers which may reach more inland, depending on the strength of the wind. As we approach Wednesday, regional High-pressure sets up to our south which will lighten winds and potentially produce some breaks in the clouds to reveal some sunshine. As the week carries on past Wednesday, a cold front comes through which will drop temperatures into the teens for Friday and Saturday with the help of northerly winds bringing in colder air from up north. These winds shift to more southerly as we go into Sunday which will bring temperatures back into the low-30s for much of the region. These conditions carry into Monday to start off next week right where we leave off at the end of this forecast period.

For air quality, consistently light, shifting winds and a cold atmosphere will help keep inversions from lasting too long and trapping particulate matter near the surface. If an inversion does form, it will be short-lived, but the majority of particulates will be able to vertically disperse. Based on some particulate models, however, there appears to be a chance of regional particulate matter that may hang around for a few days but should not be any worse than Moderate concentrations. Wednesday looks to be the day with the highest potential for widespread Moderate concentrations due to the aforementioned High-pressure system causing stagnant conditions. With the help of the cold front coming through later this week, any build up will eventually dissipate.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Early next week shows another cold frontal passage which, again, will help clean out any PM-2.5 buildup. Air quality will remain Good heading into next week.

Next Forecast update: Monday, February 6th, 2023