FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday October 19th, 2026, through Friday October 23rd, 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:
A picture-perfect mid-October week is in store for us Michiganders as sunny skies and slightly above normal temperatures are excepted. High-pressure will dominate the weather regime this week across the Midwest, which will keep our winds southerly and light, providing warmer temperatures. A front attempts to cross over the region on Wednesday, but dissipates as it approaches Lake Superior, due to the High-pressure in place. As we get in the latter half of this week, the pressure system will start to move off to the east, but conditions will remain the same as earlier in the week—sunny and calm.
There are just about two weeks left for the Ozone season as it will continue to be a non-issue due to cooler temperatures and lack of sun angle and intensity. PM2.5 will see an increase into the low-Moderate range this week predominantly due to southerly flow. These concentrations will ebb and flow throughout each day as the week carries on with weather systems adjusting their position. The three fires in the upper peninsula mentioned last week are still burning but the Michigan DNR has made great progress in containing the wildfires. As of Sunday’s update, the Black River Fire is 70% contained, Craig Lake Fire is 90% contained, and the Ridge Fire is 50% contained. Dry weather may not help the overall fire containment this week, but cooler nighttime temperatures and lighter winds will help lessen smoke output and fire spread. Localized increases in PM2.5 from smoke may occur, but nothing above Moderate is expected at this time. Satellite imagery does not show any smoke plumes which is a good sign for both fire containment and lesser fire activity.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
The weather conditions this week will roll straight into the weekend with sunny skies and above normal temperatures on the horizon. Air quality will range between Good and Moderate.
Next Forecast update: Friday October 23rd, 2026