Ozone (O3) – Code GREEN
Fine Particulates (PM 2.5) – Code GREEN
Regional Maximum PM 2.5 Concentrations:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008:
Ozone – YELLOW (100 AQI or 75 ppb)
PM 2.5 – YELLOW (66 AQI or 23.3 µg/m3)
Short-Term Discussion: Ozone just missed exceeding the moderate threshold yesterday. No real chance for a repeat of that in the near future as clouds and showers remain locked in over the state. Fine-particulate levels are still in the moderate range and will remain there until cooler and drier air works its way into the region this weekend.
Clouds, showers and fog expected overnight as a cool front remains parked over us; low temperatures are forecast to fall into the mid 50s. Heavy rains and brisk winds are expected to develop near daybreak possibly accompanied by a rumble of thunder. Rain could cause some localized flooding in poor drainage areas. Precipitation will diminish by Friday evening though strong northeasterly winds will be in place by then. Temperatures may reach 60 degrees early in the day then start to fall by the afternoon. Clouds, rain and strong northeasterly winds should bring down Friday’s fine-particulate concentrations and keep ozone concentrations in the code GREEN (good) range.
Extended: We are still looking at a series of storms forecast to pass through our region over the next several days. Clouds should clear out later on Friday for a short duration but a weak disturbance may bring some light showers on Saturday. The first half of Mother’s Day still looks dry but a potent storm system will make its way into the Mid-Atlantic by Sunday evening. With a quick progression of storms forecast to affect our region, we do not expect air-quality readings to go much above the low moderate threshold in the extended period.
Tags: air quality forecast, AQP
