04/24/2026 Air Quality Forecast (Copy)

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, April 27, 2026 - Friday, May 1, 2026

Ozone: 8-hour average Ozone Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) through the forecast period.

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good through the week.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 After a dry and pleasant weekend, rain and thunderstorms will move in Monday afternoon and evening as a storm system approaches from the Plains. Gusty southeast winds will help keep temperatures on the warmer side for one more day. Rain becomes more widespread Monday night before gradually tapering off on Tuesday, though scattered showers may linger. Another system passing south of Michigan late Tuesday into early Wednesday will bring the better chances of rain to areas farther south. For the second half of the week, only small chances for spotty afternoon or early‑evening showers remain. Cooler temperatures will settle in, and with colder nights expected mid to late week, frost or even freeze conditions may develop.

 Air quality will start the week in the Good range for both ozone and fine particulate matter. Strong winds will keep the atmosphere well mixed, which helps maintain Good particulate levels, while cloud cover will limit ozone formation. An upper level trough will bring cooler temperatures and shift winds to a northerly direction. Under this pattern, air quality is expected to remain Good through the rest of the week.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

High pressure builds in for the upcoming weekend, bringing mainly dry weather across the region. Temperatures will stay on the cool side, but overall conditions look calm and quiet. Air quality is expected to be Good, with no pollution concerns anticipated.

 Next Forecast update: Friday, May 1, 2026

04/24/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, April 24, 2026 through Monday, April 27, 2026

 Ozone: 8-hour average Ozone Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) to scattered Moderate (AQI Yellow) throughout the forecast period.

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are also expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) to scattered Low Moderate (AQI Yellow) throughout the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION

 After a sneak peek into upcoming summer weather during the past few days, things will return to more seasonal conditions for the weekend.  Showers, and possible a thunderstorm, is the forecast for Friday as a cold front tracks across the state.  Potential precipitation amounts increase during the day as more moisture moves into the area with a potential up to 1.25 inches in the eastern half of the state.

 Following the cold front, the weekend looks pleasant and dry with temperatures in the upper 60’s with dew points in the 40’s.  A good weekend to get early Spring yard work done.  The next chance for rain comes from a low-pressure system moving our direction from the plains region.  Models indicate precipitation arriving Monday afternoon and evening with rainfall potential around 1.5 inches.

 The warmer weather of the past couple of days pushed ozone values into the High Moderate range. Following the Friday cold front, generally, Good Air Quality is expected throughout the state mixed with scattered Moderates. 

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to be mostly Good entering the upcoming work week. 

Next forecast update: Monday, April 27, 2026

04/20/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, April 20, 2026 through Friday, April 24, 2026

Ozone: 8-hour average Ozone Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) throughout the forecast period.

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are also expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) to scattered Moderate (AQI Yellow) throughout the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION

After all the wet and stormy weather which has plagued most of April to this point, Michigan is in for a much quieter and tranquil week with a chance to begin drying out.  Monday did start out rather cold (i.e. multiple freeze warnings) but should rebound by mid-week.  Southwesterly flow returns on Tuesday and that will mark the beginning of milder and less dry air. 

The warmest temperatures should arrive by Wednesday with Thursday likely the warmest day of the week with temperatures in the mid-70’s.  Light northeasterly winds on Wednesday should keep Air Quality in the Good range but winds shifting more southerly by Thursday could result in scattered Moderate conditions.  Fortunately, with the heavy winter snowpack to our north, wildfires are yet to become a concern.  Only small, controlled fires are currently reported in the far western Provinces.

Mostly sunny skies during Wednesday and Thursday should provide a good opportunity for drying out and high river levels to begin dropping.  A weak cold front is projected to move through Michigan on Friday bringing a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Generally, mostly Good Air Quality is expected throughout the state with only a chance of scattered Moderates during mid-week. 

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to continue to be mostly Good entering the upcoming weekend. 

 Forecast updated by Jim Haywood: Monday, April 20, 2026

04/17/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday April 17th, 2026, through Monday April 20th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

One of Michigan’s mottos, Water Wonderland, surely lived up to its name this week as numerous rounds of storms and rain showers impacted the entire state. In the north, warm temperatures are accelerating the melting of snow which is compounding the flooding risk along with the inches of rain we have all seen and walked in. Today, Friday, however, will see a slight break in precipitation as soon as the morning fog dissipates and gives way to clear skies Friday afternoon. Across the state, 60s and 70s will be felt with light southerly winds. Mother Nature looks to have one last push of rain for the week, though, with a Low-pressure system making its way through the state Friday evening through the day on Saturday. Persistent rain will be mostly overnight and into Saturday morning with more scattered rain showers in the afternoon. On the backside of this pressure system is a cold front which will drop our temperatures into the 30s and 40s for Sunday but clearing skies will be a nice consolation. Monday looks to continue this trend of dry conditions, but cooler temperatures.

Air quality will remain in the Good to low-Moderate range as rain and change in wind direction continue to persist throughout the weekend.

With warmer temperatures becoming more frequent, and summer on the horizon, increases in Ozone and wildfire season may warrant issuances of Air Quality Alerts. We will only be issuing Air Quality Alerts for Ozone, PM2.5, or both, going forward when we expect concentrations to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, or Hazardous Air Quality Index ranges. Within these Alerts, we will specify which pollutant the Alert is for, what Air Quality Index category is expected, and the timing and area that is being impacted. For more information on Air Quality Alerts, the Air Quality Index, and how to sign up for Alert notifications, click here.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Warmer temperatures return next week after a few days of cooler temperatures. Air quality will remain in the Good range.

Next Forecast update: Monday April 20th, 2026

04/13/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday April 13th, 2026, through Friday April 17th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

The traditional idiom of “April showers bring May flowers” will be put to the test this week as numerous rounds of rain will impact the Great Lakes state. Flood watches and warnings are popping up around the state, mainly in the northern half due to snowmelt accompanying the heavy rainfall. The precipitation will be brought in through several systems crossing over the region this week along with a frontal boundary sitting over the state. In between raindrops, however, southerly flow will dominate the wind direction regime which will provide surface temperatures well into the 70s for the southern portion of the state while northern portions will hang around the upper-40s to 50s. Light to moderately breezy conditions will be felt throughout the week as the Low-pressure systems move in and out of the region.

For air quality this week, the rain showers along with consistent change in airmass will help to keep overall air quality Good with some increases into the Moderate range. Southerly flow typically brings increases of PM-2.5, but the rain will keep it limited to small increases in more populated areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids. Although winds will be predominantly southerly, persistent wind speeds will prevent stagnation so there is expected to be ample dispersion of particulates. Some southerly areas may make a run at 80-degrees tomorrow, Tuesday, so the potential return of Moderate Ozone may be on the horizon. That could be said throughout this week as well due to temperatures expected to remain in the 70s for southern areas. However, with the rain and persistent clouds, Ozone development will be inhibited due to the lack of sunlight needed to initiate the photochemical reaction. Areas near and around Detroit and Grand Rapids may see hourly concentrations increase just over the Moderate range but are not expected to persist.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

More of the same for the weekend ahead as warm temperatures and rain continue into the weekend. A cool down is on the docket for Sunday as a rather strong cold front moves through. Air quality is expected to remain in the Good range.

Next Forecast update: Friday April 17th, 2026

04/13/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday April 13th, 2026, through Friday April 17th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

The traditional idiom of “April showers bring May flowers” will be put to the test this week as numerous rounds of rain will impact the Great Lakes state. Flood watches and warnings are popping up around the state, mainly in the northern half due to snowmelt accompanying the heavy rainfall. The precipitation will be brought in through several systems crossing over the region this week along with a frontal boundary sitting over the state. In between raindrops, however, southerly flow will dominate the wind direction regime which will provide surface temperatures well into the 70s for the southern portion of the state while northern portions will hang around the upper-40s to 50s. Light to moderately breezy conditions will be felt throughout the week as the Low-pressure systems move in and out of the region.

For air quality this week, the rain showers along with consistent change in airmass will help to keep overall air quality Good with some increases into the Moderate range. Southerly flow typically brings increases of PM-2.5, but the rain will keep it limited to small increases in more populated areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids. Although winds will be predominantly southerly, persistent wind speeds will prevent stagnation so there is expected to be ample dispersion of particulates. Some southerly areas may make a run at 80-degrees tomorrow, Tuesday, so the potential return of Moderate Ozone may be on the horizon. That could be said throughout this week as well due to temperatures expected to remain in the 70s for southern areas. However, with the rain and persistent clouds, Ozone development will be inhibited due to the lack of sunlight needed to initiate the photochemical reaction. Areas near and around Detroit and Grand Rapids may see hourly concentrations increase just over the Moderate range but are not expected to persist.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

More of the same for the weekend ahead as warm temperatures and rain continue into the weekend. A cool down is on the docket for Sunday as a rather strong cold front moves through. Air quality is expected to remain in the Good range.

Next Forecast update: Friday April 17th, 2026

04/10/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday April 10th, 2026, through Monday April 13th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Michiganders woke up to overcast skies, and rain showers in the southern portion of the state this Friday morning as a Low-pressure system moves across the Great Lakes. This system will make its way eastward this afternoon which will open the door for a High-pressure system to move in for Saturday. We will dry out during the day on Saturday with temperatures ranging in the 50s across the state with plenty of sunshine, thanks to the High-pressure. Unfortunately, though, this will be short lived as another system moves in Saturday night into Sunday which will bring more rain, but warmer temperatures. A warm front will provide precipitation along with southerly flow which will push temperatures into the 70s for the lower peninsula and the upper-50s to 60s for the upper peninsula. This warm front will keep winds in the southerly direction which will keep our temperatures in the 60s and 70s to start next week.

For air quality, low-Moderate PM-2.5 concentrations can be expected later today, Friday, and into Saturday as winds shift around from southeasterly to southwesterly. These concentrations are only expected in the southern portions of the lower peninsula, more specifically in the Detroit and Grand Rapids areas. Once the front moves in with the rain on Sunday, concentrations should decrease into the Good range.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Warmer temperatures hang around early next week with multiple rounds of rain. Air quality is expected to be in the Good range.

Next Forecast update: Monday April 13th, 2026

04/06/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday April 6th, 2026, through Friday April 10th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range later in the week.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

We start off the first full week of April with surface temperatures expected to be at or below normal today, Monday, due to persistent northerly flow. After a rather wet period in the latter half of last week and this past weekend, this week will see a decrease in precipitation for the majority of the week with Thursday and into Friday seeing the most amount of precipitation. First, however, a cold front crossed over Michigan in the overnight hours which shifted winds to northerly flow, as mentioned above. Going into Tuesday, High-pressure sets up over Wisconsin which will clear the skies and lighten the winds, while keeping us below average for surface temperatures. The warming trend starts on Wednesday as winds shift to southerly flow, bringing in warmer air, but will also present some precipitation for the northern half of the state. A wintry mix is expected throughout the day on Wednesday before turning to mostly rain on Thursday. This system will give way to Friday’s system which will impact the entire state with rain as temperature return to the 50s and 60s thanks to a warm front crossing over the state.

For air quality, northerly flow and cooler temperatures for the first half of the week will help to keep concentrations Good. As we get into the latter half of this work week, winds shifting to southerly flow may pose an increase of PM-2.5 into the low-Moderate range. However, rain showers on Thursday and Friday will keep any increases at bay. We typically start to see some Ozone increases in the month of April. This week does not look like it will be a week for Ozone as temperatures will still be too cool. Although, our eyes are now slowly starting to focus more on Ozone development as the temperatures warm.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

The warming trend continues into the weekend as Good to low-Moderate air quality is expected.

Next Forecast update: Friday April 10th, 2026

04/03/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, April 3, 2026 through Monday, April 6, 2026

Ozone: 8-hour average Ozone Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) throughout the forecast period.

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are also expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) throughout the forecast period.

A bit more noisy weather is expected, Friday tonight, as another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected from tonight into Saturday.  This is due to a warm front that will track back northward into the area bringing 60-degree temperatures for Saturday.  The possibility of a few stronger storms in Southern Lower Michigan exists from tonight into early Saturday afternoon.  Additional rainfall could be on the order of a half to one inch

Following the passage of an associated cold front late Saturday, weather turns colder as winter refuses to totally relent.  Temperature decreases may be just cold enough for a little bit of lake effect snow.  Highs will be in the low to mid 40s for the remainder of the weekend and into early next week.

 Temperatures should rebound by mid-week with chances for rain to return to the forecast. I am expecting temperature to reach the 50s for highs by mid-week, which is normal for this time of year.

 Winter is not over but Spring is building momentum.  On a positive note, Good Air Quality is expected throughout the state, and the trend should continue into next week. 

  EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to continue to be mostly Good entering the upcoming work week. 

03/30/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday March 30th, 2026, through Friday April 3rd, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Spring has sprung! Or at least for today, Monday, and tomorrow, Tuesday, as high temperatures are expected to approach 70 degrees in southern Michigan. The upper peninsula is hanging around seasonal norms for this time of the year due to a frontal boundary lingering in the Straits of Mackinac. This is causing warm air to be brought into southern Michigan via southerly flow, whereas the upper peninsula is under northerly flow, keeping their temperatures cooler. Our temperatures, statewide, homogenize come Wednesday however after the passing of a cold front on Tuesday which will bring ample amounts of rain, snow flurries, and temperatures nearing seasonal averages. This will be the first round of precipitation as more mixed precipitation is expected on Thursday with rain, freezing rain, and snow all expected throughout the day as another Low-pressure and front moves through the state. Once the system exits the state, Friday slowly becomes quieter in terms of precipitation, although there may be some breezy conditions as the pressure gradient in between systems balances out.

For air quality, the highest expected day for PM-2.5 concentrations this week will be today, Monday, and into Tuesday before the front and rain moves through. Today in southern Michigan there will be southerly flow which will help to increase fine particulate, along with lighter winds in the morning hours. Winds pick up slightly Monday afternoon which will keep any increases at bay, but low-to-mid Moderate concentrations should be expected for most of the day. Once the front and precipitation move through on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning, any substantial build up of PM-2.5 will be cleaned out as a change in airmass will bring cleaner air. The presence of multiple systems moving through this week along with change in wind direction will help keep air quality mostly Good for the week ahead.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

The first weekend of April will see another system moving through with additional precipitation across the state. This will help keep air quality Good.

Next Forecast update: Friday April 3rd, 2026

03/27/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday March 27th, 2026, through Monday March 30th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

After a flurry of mixed precipitation yesterday, March 26th, with snow in the north and steady rain in the south, us Michiganders get a break in weather for the weekend ahead. Aside from a slight disturbance potentially bringing light precipitation overnight tonight and Saturday night, High pressure slides in Saturday morning which will clear the skies but may bring breezy conditions come Saturday afternoon and evening. Temperatures will increase throughout this weekend as well with the mid-30s to mid-40s on the docket for Saturday and the mid-40s to mid-50s on Sunday. The warmth will continue early next week, at least for southern Michigan, as the 60s look to make a return.

For air quality, the breezy conditions and change in wind direction will help to keep our current airmass continuously clean and prevent any PM-2.5 buildup. At the tail end of this weekend and into early next week, there may be a slight increase of PM-2.5 into the low-Moderate range as southerly flow returns and wind speeds start to slow down. However, overall air quality this weekend is expected to be in the Good range. 

EXTENDED FORECAST:

A run at the 70s looks possible on Tuesday along with the potential of heavy rain. Air quality will remain in the Good to low-Moderate range.

Next Forecast update: Monday March 30th, 2026

03/23/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday March 23rd, 2026, through Friday March 27th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

We enter the last full week of March on a relatively quiet note, aside from a few lake-enhanced showers this Monday morning, as High-pressure will slide in going into tomorrow, Tuesday. Seasonal normal temperatures are expected this week with a few days above seasonal averages due to a warm front and southwesterly flow. The peak in temperatures will be Thursday for the lower peninsula as the 60s make a return, but a stubborn stationary front will sit near the Straits of Mackinac and cause the upper peninsula to hang around the mid-30s. Accompanying this front, which will move over the state Friday morning, will be mixed precipitation at times with rain as the main precipitation type. With the passing of this front, winds will shift back to north-northwesterly, cooling the lower peninsula back down into the 40s and near seasonal norms.

Air quality will be ebb-and-flowing this week with the passing of fronts, shifting winds and light winds when the High-pressure moves in. With the southwesterly winds on Wednesday and into Thursday, PM-2.5 concentrations should be expected to increase into the Moderate range for lower Michigan. As the aforementioned frontal boundary moves through the state come Friday, however, those concentrations are expected to decrease. Along with the wind shift, precipitation will help to clean out the atmosphere with a good airmass change.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

The weekend ahead looks mostly clear of any systems with High-pressure lingering to the south. Temperatures will be around seasonal norms and air quality is expected to be in the Good range.

Next Forecast update: Friday March 27th, 2026

03/20/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, March 20, 2026 - Monday, March 23, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will begin the forecast period mostly Moderate (Yellow AQI) with improving early next week.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

A weak system moving through Michigan brought light precipitation early Friday. High pressure will build in, keeping conditions mostly dry to start the weekend. Temperatures will warm Friday into Saturday as southerly winds develop. Forecast models indicate the next weather system could bring precipitation to northern Michigan as early as Saturday, while central and southern areas remain dry and warm for this time of year. This pattern changes late Saturday into Sunday as a boundary sinks south through the state, allowing precipitation and cooler winds to return for the start of the new week.

Air quality begins in the Moderate range, and most locations are expected to remain Moderate on Saturday due to high pressure and warmer southerly winds. Any buildup of fine particulate should improve after the frontal passage on Sunday as northerly winds return to the region.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show high pressure and dry conditions for Monday. If the current forecast pans out, a small increase in fine particulate may occur.  Air quality early next week is expected to range from the upper Good to low Moderate.

 Next Forecast update: Monday, March 23, 2026

03/16/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 16, 2026 - Friday, March 20, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI) with some Moderate (Yellow AQI) possible past mid-week.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 Winter is having a hard time letting go, especially across northern Michigan, where a blizzard is hitting early this week. Other parts of the state are dealing with mixed precipitation that will transition to snow as strong northwest winds drive temperatures downward through the day Monday. Travel is expected to be difficult to impossible across northern areas, so anyone planning to head out Monday or Tuesday should check local conditions.

 Snow tapers off from west to east later today, but gusty winds will continue to reduce visibility due to blowing snow, particularly in the north. Lake-effect snow showers are expected to persist on Tuesday, though high pressure moving in from the west should bring a brief period of drier weather from late Tuesday to early Wednesday. Another weak system will drop in from the northwest Wednesday into Thursday, bringing light precipitation. Forecast models indicate a warm-up and drier conditions toward the end of the week.

 Air quality starts off Good thanks to the strong, gusty northwest flow. Northwest winds persist into Tuesday, helping maintain Good conditions. By mid‑week, winds weaken and shift to a more southerly direction, which could allow fine particulate levels to rise into the Moderate range.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models indicate dry conditions to begin the weekend. However, another storm system may track east of the region early next week. Most of the associated precipitation may miss Michigan, but the resulting northwest winds should help bring in Good air quality early next week.

Next Forecast update: Friday, March 20, 2026

03/13/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, March 13, 2026 through Monday, March 16, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) throughout the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION

A bit of a messy weekend is on tap leading up to St. Patrick’s Day early next week.  Friday’s weather is showing some accumulating snowfall moving in later this morning through midday, with the highest accumulations of 2-4 inches confined to areas along/north of M-46.  This is due to strong low-pressure system, which will continue to track across the Great Lakes region passing over northern lower Michigan Friday afternoon.  The most noticeable feature of Friday’s weather will likely be strong winds due to a very strong low level wind field.  This will bring the highest potential of winds gusts to 40-45 mph, or greater, by early afternoon as winds shift from southwest to west.

Seasonably cool air filters back into the region with drier and much less windy conditions, Saturday, with chilly daytime temperatures likely not reaching 40 degrees.

An active weather pattern returns Saturday night through Sunday with another system set to impact much of the Great Lake’s region.  Fortunately, the southern half of the Lower Peninsula should miss the heaviest snowfall which could bring over 2 feet of snow for portions of northern Lower and the Upper Peninsula.  Snow potential is still 1-2 inches in the southern lower, however.  There is also potential for ice accumulation from freezing rain in Central Michigan Sunday through Sunday night with some computer model solutions producing over a quarter- inch of ice.

Behind the backside of the low, during Monday, a change over to lake-enhanced snow and strong winds is expected, with Southwest Michigan getting in on continued winter weather impacts.  Prolonged heavy snow will also be possible across northern or central Lake Huron, pending the final track of the system.

Winter is not over but Spring is just around the corner.  On a positive note, Good Air Quality is expected throughout the state, and the trend should continue into early next week. 

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Qulity is expected to continue to be mostly Good entering the upcoming work week.

03/09/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 9, 2026 through Friday, March 13, 2026

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) with scattered Low Moderate (AQI Yellow) throughout the forecast period.

  FORECAST DISCUSSION

 The week begins with Good Air Quality throughout the state, and the trend should continue through the majority of the work week.  The quiet, tranquil weather we see Monday morning should persist into Tuesday morning with the potential for severe weather Tuesday evening into Tuesday night.  The Storm Prediction Center has increased our chance of severe weather bumping the threat from a marginal to a slight chance.

 Locally heavy rain looks more than possible from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.  We are likely looking at swaths of one to possibly two inches of rain especially from I-96 to the south.  Rivers are higher now given recent rains so additional precipitation will likely push quite a few river basin locations to near flood stage.

 This is Michigan and just because March has arrived does not mean winter is over.  A potent clipper system is expected to sweep from west to east through the area Thursday night into Friday.  Accumulating snow is potentially expected across Central Lower Michigan with this system, albeit warming surface conditions should keep it to a minimum.

 A preview of the weekend shows seasonable temperatures in the lower 40’s with a chance of rain/snow shower activity.

  EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to continue to be mostly Good entering the upcoming weekend. 

03/06/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday March 6th, 2026, through Monday March 9th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Above average temperatures and rainy conditions are on the docket for the start of this first weekend in March. Many of us Michiganders woke up this Friday morning to foggy conditions with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s with the southwestern part of the state currently sitting in a warm sector of air. This is due to a lifting warm front which will cross over the lower peninsula through the day today and into tomorrow, Saturday. With it, there is the potential for storms Friday evening and early Saturday morning. Aside from storm potential, essentially all of Michigan will have seen a good, soaking rain come Saturday evening once the low-pressure system carrying the frontal boundary exits to the east. Once out of the area, we start to dry out later into the evening on Saturday with slightly cooler temperatures and breezy conditions. As a gift from Mother Nature though, Michiganders will wake up Sunday to clearing skies and increasing temperatures into the mid-40s to mid-to-upper-50s. This warming trend continues into Monday with the 60s making a return to the lower peninsula and the 40s for the upper peninsula due to a cold front lingering in the straits area.

For air quality, Friday will see the highest PM-2.5 concentrations in the mid-Moderate range, leftover from stagnant morning conditions. Once winds pick up and surface heating helps to break up the inversion in place, PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to decrease as the aforementioned front moves in Friday afternoon. The rain on Friday evening and Saturday morning will help to continually decrease PM-2.5 concentrations even more along with wind direction which will shift to more northwesterly flow come Saturday evening. The combination of rain and wind direction shifts will drop concentrations down and overall air quality is expected to be in the Good range come Saturday evening and through Sunday. 

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Warmer temperatures start off the next work week with air quality remaining in the Good range.

Next Forecast update: Monday March 9th, 2026

03/02/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday March 2nd, 2026, through Friday March 6th, 2026

Ozone:

Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) range.

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Meteorological spring is here with the calendar turning to March. This week will see a steady increase in surface temperatures from southerly winds with much of the state today, Monday, sitting near normal for temperatures for this time of the year. As we get into Tuesday, the mid-40s makes a return to the state with some spotty rain showers in southern portions. More widespread rain looks cross over the lower peninsula come Thursday as temperatures attempt to climb into the 50s. For the work week, the tip of the temperature iceberg will be Friday with the 60s making a return to the lower peninsula with the upper peninsula staying steady in the mid-40s.

Along with the increase in temperature and rain showers this week, winds will be rather light as we will be between systems for much of the week. With the increasing temperatures and light southerly winds, PM-2.5 concentrations can be expected to increase, especially in the morning and afternoon rush hour timeframes. Surface inversions can be expected during morning hours as the warmer temperatures move in and cap off the atmosphere for a few hours before winds pick up. Aside from rain showers helping to clean out the atmosphere, concentrations in the Moderate range should be expected with the possibility of hourly Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups concentrations, especially in the middle to latter half of the work week. As of now, these concentrations do not look to be as long-lasting as a few weeks ago but should still be noted. Any changes that warrant an update will be made.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

A warm and potentially rainy weekend is ahead with air quality in the Good to Moderate range.

Next Forecast update: Friday March 6th, 2026

02/27/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday February 27th, 2026, through Monday March 2nd, 2026

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Meteorological spring is upon us this upcoming Sunday, March 1st, with Old Man Winter holding onto our temperatures for much of the weekend. We start off today, Friday, with above normal temperatures and ample sunshine with surface temperatures ranging from the upper-40s to mid-50s across the state. Southwesterly flow will be felt throughout the region with warmer air being brought in with gusty conditions throughout the afternoon. Come Saturday, however, a cold front moves in from the north which will slowly overtake the entire state and shift winds back to northerly flow, thus dropping temperatures down to near seasonal norms. With the cold front, a round of snow showers is expected Saturday night into Sunday with only minimal impacts. The cooler trend continues into Sunday with temperatures just below seasonal norms in the mid to upper 20s, but sunshine is expected due to High-pressure returning after the frontal boundary on Saturday exits the region. Clear skies hang around into Monday with slight temperature improvements into the 30s.

Warmer temperatures and southerly flow today will increase PM-2.5 concentrations into the mid-Moderate range due to a somewhat weak atmospheric inversion during the morning hours. With the winds Friday afternoon, however, the inversion will not last and concentrations will be able to disperse with the breezy conditions. Once the cooler conditions return on Saturday and Sunday, PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to drop back into the Good range. Ozone season officially starts on Sunday, March 1st which will bring back the Ozone part of this forecast, although we typically do not start seeing Ozone increase until the April timeframe.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

A warming trend is on the horizon for mid-next week and so on, air quality will remain in the Good to Moderate range.

Next Forecast update: Monday March 2nd, 2026

02/23/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday February 23, 2026, through Friday February 27, 2026

PM-2.5:

PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

A return to seasonal normal temperatures is on the docket for this week after early last week’s false spring. Many of us Michiganders are waking up to fresh snowfall this Monday morning as a quick hitting system moved over the state during the day Sunday and into this morning. Lake-effect snow bands are still accumulating snow over the snowbelts with a few extra inches expected in those areas. Some of us receive a slight break in snow before another system moves into the region from the north which will drop another two inches or so across the state with snowbelt areas receiving slightly more. This system will move out of the area come Wednesday before a High-pressure system moves in on Thursday. Sunshine is expected when this system moves in and southward across the state as we move into Friday which will see the High-pressure to our south. As the High-pressure moves south, winds will shift with it and provide southerly flow and warmer temperatures. The 40s looks to make a return for a good majority of the state Friday and into the last day of February on Saturday.

For air quality, rather consistent airmass change this week will help to keep PM-2.5 concentrations low as clean air will continually be brought in. PM-2.5 concentrations may see an increase in the latter half of the week with warmer temperatures and surface inversions. As of now, however, low-to-mid Moderate concentrations are expected. With February ending this weekend, the Ozone season officially starts on Sunday, March 1. Although we typically do not see Ozone increases until the middle of April, the Ozone forecast will make a return in the upcoming month of March. 

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Southerly flow will provide warmer temperatures for the start of the weekend, but a cold front moves through just in time for Sunday, which will cool us back down into the upper-20s. Air quality will return to the Good range after a few potential peaks into the Moderate range.

Next Forecast update: Friday February 27, 2026