FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, August 14, 2026 – Monday, August 17, 2026
Ozone: 8-hour average concentrations in the Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI) range are expected.
PM-2.5: Concentrations will range from Good to Moderate.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
An unsettled weekend is expected as a weather system moves through the state. Rain will begin to spread into central and southern areas as early as Friday night, where the highest chances for precipitation will occur. Farther north, rain and storm chances hold off until late Saturday, and coverage will be less widespread. High pressure will then build in to start the new work week, bringing cooler and less humid conditions.
Moderate fine particulate readings have been consistent this week in all but northern locations, and this trend is expected to continue through the weekend. A warm front lifting north and humid conditions in place keep Moderate levels in place both Saturday and Sunday. High pressure and northerly winds on Monday should improve fine particulate back to towards the Good range.
Smoke production remains low from the wildfires across Ontario and northern Minnesota. Additional fires continue farther west in the northwestern United States and farther north into Canada. While smoke from these fires persists across the region, it has generally remained aloft with only minor influence on surface concentrations.
Clouds and periodic precipitation on Saturday and Sunday will limit ozone formation. While southeastern areas may reach Moderate levels on Friday, most locations are expected to remain in the Good range.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
The extended forecast begins on a dry note and no significant increases in pollution are anticipated.
Next Forecast update: Monday, August 17, 2026