FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, March 20, 2026 - Monday, March 23, 2026
PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will begin the forecast period mostly Moderate (Yellow AQI) with improving early next week.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
A weak system moving through Michigan brought light precipitation early Friday. High pressure will build in, keeping conditions mostly dry to start the weekend. Temperatures will warm Friday into Saturday as southerly winds develop. Forecast models indicate the next weather system could bring precipitation to northern Michigan as early as Saturday, while central and southern areas remain dry and warm for this time of year. This pattern changes late Saturday into Sunday as a boundary sinks south through the state, allowing precipitation and cooler winds to return for the start of the new week.
Air quality begins in the Moderate range, and most locations are expected to remain Moderate on Saturday due to high pressure and warmer southerly winds. Any buildup of fine particulate should improve after the frontal passage on Sunday as northerly winds return to the region.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Extended forecast models show high pressure and dry conditions for Monday. If the current forecast pans out, a small increase in fine particulate may occur. Air quality early next week is expected to range from the upper Good to low Moderate.
Next Forecast update: Monday, March 23, 2026