FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday April 13th, 2026, through Friday April 17th, 2026
Ozone:
Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.
PM-2.5:
PM-2.5 concentrations are expected to be in the Good (Green AQI) to low-Moderate (Yellow AQI) range.
FORECAST DISCUSSION:
The traditional idiom of “April showers bring May flowers” will be put to the test this week as numerous rounds of rain will impact the Great Lakes state. Flood watches and warnings are popping up around the state, mainly in the northern half due to snowmelt accompanying the heavy rainfall. The precipitation will be brought in through several systems crossing over the region this week along with a frontal boundary sitting over the state. In between raindrops, however, southerly flow will dominate the wind direction regime which will provide surface temperatures well into the 70s for the southern portion of the state while northern portions will hang around the upper-40s to 50s. Light to moderately breezy conditions will be felt throughout the week as the Low-pressure systems move in and out of the region.
For air quality this week, the rain showers along with consistent change in airmass will help to keep overall air quality Good with some increases into the Moderate range. Southerly flow typically brings increases of PM-2.5, but the rain will keep it limited to small increases in more populated areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids. Although winds will be predominantly southerly, persistent wind speeds will prevent stagnation so there is expected to be ample dispersion of particulates. Some southerly areas may make a run at 80-degrees tomorrow, Tuesday, so the potential return of Moderate Ozone may be on the horizon. That could be said throughout this week as well due to temperatures expected to remain in the 70s for southern areas. However, with the rain and persistent clouds, Ozone development will be inhibited due to the lack of sunlight needed to initiate the photochemical reaction. Areas near and around Detroit and Grand Rapids may see hourly concentrations increase just over the Moderate range but are not expected to persist.
EXTENDED FORECAST:
More of the same for the weekend ahead as warm temperatures and rain continue into the weekend. A cool down is on the docket for Sunday as a rather strong cold front moves through. Air quality is expected to remain in the Good range.
Next Forecast update: Friday April 17th, 2026