Weak Synoptic Environment

Posted at 1:41 PM on December 18, 2007 by Paul Huttner

It's called a weak synoptic environment.

That's what we call it when there are no big pressure systems tearing at Minnesota. The result can be some nice weather in much of the year. But when we're in winter, the light winds and stagnant air can make for some air quality issues.

That's when MPCA issues air quality alerts like they did today. The AQI (Air Quality Index) considers four pollutant types. Ground level ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particulates. Several MPCA monitors around the state measure these pollutants.

MPCA Air Quality Index

Today the culprits are fine particulates. They come from things like wood smoke and other sources, so it may be best to light the fireplace after the winds kick up again on Friday night.

PH

Recent Entries

• 1st MN Tornado of 2013; Sun, rain & thunder; Record late Mille Lacs ice out
• "May Monsoon" moves in; Warm thundery weekend mixes sun & rain; Ice out up north
• Weather perfection today; rain & thunder Friday morning; mixed weekend
• Springtacular Thursday; "May Monsoon" starts Friday; 3"+ rainfall by Tuesday?
• Record setting heat gives way to more normal conditions
• A day of record toasty weather
• Shockingly hot this afternoon; welcome showers northwest Minnesota
• Hot Front: One day heat wave brings season's 1st 90s & Red Flag Warnings
• Instant July: Hot front & 1st 90F tomorrow; Ice crushes lake homes in Manitoba
• Slow Motion Ice Avalanche: High winds push 5 to 30 foot Mille Lacs "ice drifts" ashore; Damaged boat houses & condos

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories