FORECAST SUMMARY: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - Friday, January 23, 2026
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI) with some Moderate (Yellow AQI) possible, especially Wednesday into Thursday in the south.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
This forecast period begins with Good air quality across the state. Aside from some lake effect snows in parts of the Upper Peninsula, generally quiet conditions are expected elsewhere. However, a continuation of cold temperature and brisk wind chills will be noted. A persistent northerly wind will help maintain Good air quality through Tuesday.
As we move into midweek, a clipper system will bring another round of snow from west to east across the state on Wednesday, while lake-effect snow persists in the Upper Peninsula. Most areas can expect 2–4 inches of accumulation, with locally higher amounts in western locations. A brief period of lighter winds may allow fine particulate concentrations to reach Moderate levels Wednesday into Thursday across southern portions of the state. Any buildup of pollution will diminish by Friday as a very cold arctic air mass settles into the region late Thursday into Friday. High temperatures will drop into the single digits by the end of the workweek. Northerly winds will help keep fine particulate levels in the Good range Thursday and Friday.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show the cold arctic air lingering into Saturday, keeping air quality in the Good range for the start of the weekend.
Next Forecast update: Friday, January 23, 2026