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