|
Forecast Discussion: Current Conditions: As of 2 PM on Friday, partly cloudy skies prevail over the region as the frontal system, which was off to our south yesterday, officially moves off to our north (a full day earlier than scheduled). Right now, southerly winds continue to advect in a moist air mass. With temperatures rising into the 70s, the combination of the warm and moist conditions have allowed ozone and PM 2.5 levels to climb higher than originally anticipated (both are approaching the moderate status). Expect this trend to continue right through the weekend as conditions stay warm and moist (with a chance of afternoon showers each day) over our area. Now onto the day-to-day details... *** On Saturday, expect the skies to remain partly sunny as the warm front continues to drive slowly to our north and east. The proximity of the front to the area will help to keep the threat of rain over our area during the afternoon. Southerly flow over the area will help to keep conditions on the warm and moist side. In fact, afternoon temperatures will once again approach the 80 degree mark. Air quality levels over the region are expected to stay within the moderate category as the warm and moist conditions persist. *** On Sunday, a mix of sun and clouds will persist as a more organized impulse of energy slides in over our area. This system, moving in cooperation with the front, is likely to keep the threat of rain over our area during the afternoon. Southerly flow persisting through the day will help to keep warmth and moisture in place, with highs reaching near 80 again. Air quality levels follow a similar trend to Saturday, where maximum levels will continue to be driven by PM 2.5 concentrations. The combination of warm and moist conditions over the region will allow PM 2.5 to rise well into the moderate range. *** On Monday, expect even warmer air to build in over the region as the flow continues to derive out of the south. The warm front, which was close to the region all weekend, will finally move far enough to our north and east to not impact the area. We will continue to see the chance of showers / thunderstorms over the area as a result of the daytime heating. Afternoon highs will ultimately peak in the low to mid 80s. The continual chance of spotty showers will allow isolated areas to see enough sun to force both ozone and PM 2.5 levels back into the moderate range. *** Extended Outlook: As we take a peek into next week, we notice that the warm and moist conditions will persist through the first half of the week as higher pressure builds in over the southeastern US. At the same time, a new frontal system will begin to develop over the Plains. This system will slowly migrate east. As it does, expect the threat of rain to increase each day. By Wednesday, the front will be over the eastern Ohio Valley. More clouds will build in over the region as a result, limiting ozone. PM 2.5, however, should continue to thrive in the warm and moist environ |
Action Day
AIRNow on Facebook
Subscribe to RSS
Follow Us on Twitter
Mobile
Widget