FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, March 16, 2026 - Friday, March 20, 2026
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI) with some Moderate (Yellow AQI) possible past mid-week.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
Winter is having a hard time letting go, especially across northern Michigan, where a blizzard is hitting early this week. Other parts of the state are dealing with mixed precipitation that will transition to snow as strong northwest winds drive temperatures downward through the day Monday. Travel is expected to be difficult to impossible across northern areas, so anyone planning to head out Monday or Tuesday should check local conditions.
Snow tapers off from west to east later today, but gusty winds will continue to reduce visibility due to blowing snow, particularly in the north. Lake-effect snow showers are expected to persist on Tuesday, though high pressure moving in from the west should bring a brief period of drier weather from late Tuesday to early Wednesday. Another weak system will drop in from the northwest Wednesday into Thursday, bringing light precipitation. Forecast models indicate a warm-up and drier conditions toward the end of the week.
Air quality starts off Good thanks to the strong, gusty northwest flow. Northwest winds persist into Tuesday, helping maintain Good conditions. By mid‑week, winds weaken and shift to a more southerly direction, which could allow fine particulate levels to rise into the Moderate range.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models indicate dry conditions to begin the weekend. However, another storm system may track east of the region early next week. Most of the associated precipitation may miss Michigan, but the resulting northwest winds should help bring in Good air quality early next week.
Next Forecast update: Friday, March 20, 2026