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