01/26/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, January 26, 2026 through Friday, January 30, 2026

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) with scattered Low Moderates (AQI Yellow) throughout the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION

 The coldest air of the season remains intact with no significant relief through the forecast period.  Friday night temperatures dropped in the -20-degree range in much of the Lower Peninsula with some stations reporting the coldest temperatures in 30 years. 

 This week continues with bitterly cold weather with daytime high temperatures in the teens and overnight lows near zero.  West Michigan continues to be bombarded with lake effect snow with several more inches expected in western Ottawa, Allegan, and Van Buren counties.  During Monday, the National Weather Service is predicting snowfall amounts will largely range from 1-4 inches within the advisory area but the highest amounts of 5-7 inches are more likely within Van Buren and southwest potions of Allegan County.

 A shortwave of low pressure is projected to move through the area late Monday night into Tuesday morning bringing widespread accumulations of 2 to 4 inches along and west of US-131 with lower amounts further east.  A second and larger, colder arctic intrusion is forecasted to dig straight southward into the region Thursday and Friday with overnight lows projected in the sub-zero range.

 High pressure moves across the region during the weekend.  As the high pressure slides eastward, the area comes under light southwest winds which should slightly moderate the temperatures to around 20 degrees by Sunday.

 In terms of Air Quality, Good Air Quality should begin the week with increasingly scattered Moderates by the end of the week.

  EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain mostly Good to Moderate entering the upcoming weekend. 

01/23/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, January 23, 2026 - Monday, January 26, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI) with some Moderate (Yellow AQI) possible, mainly in the south on Sunday.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Michigan is currently under the coldest airmass of the season, with wind chills well below zero. These extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will persist into Saturday, accompanied by lake-effect snow in the northwest snowbelt areas.

Temperatures remain cold on Sunday but will improve slightly compared to Friday and Saturday. Attention then shifts to a large winter storm expected to bring widespread winter weather from the southern Rockies to New England Friday through Monday. The northern edge of this system will move across parts of the Lower Peninsula on Sunday.

Snowfall amounts remain uncertain, but current models suggest up to 3 inches in the southeast portion of the state. This will be important to monitor, especially for those with travel plans.

After the storm pushes east, northwest winds will return early next week, once again triggering lake-effect snow in favored areas.

The forecast period begins with Good air quality statewide, and these Good levels are expected to continue through Saturday. A brief period of lighter winds on Sunday may allow for some Moderate concentrations in southern Michigan; otherwise, Good readings should persist into early next week.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models indicate that systems moving in early next week will maintain lake-effect snow chances in the forecast. Air quality is expected to remain in the Good range early next week.

Next Forecast update: Monday, January 26, 2026

01/20/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - Friday, January 23, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI) with some Moderate (Yellow AQI) possible, especially Wednesday into Thursday in the south.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

This forecast period begins with Good air quality across the state. Aside from some lake effect snows in parts of the Upper Peninsula, generally quiet conditions are expected elsewhere.  However, a continuation of cold temperature and brisk wind chills will be noted.  A persistent northerly wind will help maintain Good air quality through Tuesday.

As we move into midweek, a clipper system will bring another round of snow from west to east across the state on Wednesday, while lake-effect snow persists in the Upper Peninsula. Most areas can expect 2–4 inches of accumulation, with locally higher amounts in western locations. A brief period of lighter winds may allow fine particulate concentrations to reach Moderate levels Wednesday into Thursday across southern portions of the state. Any buildup of pollution will diminish by Friday as a very cold arctic air mass settles into the region late Thursday into Friday. High temperatures will drop into the single digits by the end of the workweek. Northerly winds will help keep fine particulate levels in the Good range Thursday and Friday.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show the cold arctic air lingering into Saturday, keeping air quality in the Good range for the start of the weekend.

Next Forecast update: Friday, January 23, 2026

01/16/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, January 16, 2026 through Tuesday, January 20, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) throughout the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION

A low-pressure cell moves across the upper Great Lakes, during Friday, dragging a series of fronts with it.  Friday snow will likely impact areas from upper and central Lower Peninsula and west to Lake Michigan.

As the weekend progresses, West Michigan snow may get heavy later Saturday afternoon into Saturday night and then again Sunday evening through Monday morning as an Arctic front arrives.  This front will usher in some bitterly cold Arctic air which could lead to some periods of significant lake effect snow.  The Arctic air arriving Monday morning will produce falling temperatures during the day and lasting through Tuesday.  These bitterly cold temperatures will be further aggravated with strong winds and wind chills.

In terms of Air Quality, Good Air Quality should persist through the forecast period.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain mostly Good entering the upcoming work week. 

01/12/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, January 12, 2026 through Friday, January 16, 2026

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) to Low Moderate (AQI Yellow) throughout the forecast period.

  FORECAST DISCUSSION

 AQI values begin the week in the Good category.  Monday may prove to be the mildest day of the forecast period.  A short wave of low pressure will exit the region followed by a short-duration ridge of high pressure.  That will be following be another short wave of low pressure, Tuesday morning, with rain under warmer 40 degree temperatures as we remain under a continental air mass.

 January temperatures return Wednesday morning as an arctic front drops down from Canada followed by Canadian high pressure on Thursday.  Expect high temperatures in the low 20’s.  There does not appear to be a threat of a major snow event during this forecast period although some snow may accompany the arctic front passage on Wednesday.  Lake effect snow should be minimized with the wind fetch behind that front being more north-northeast than west-northwest.

 In terms of Air Quality, Good Air Quality should persist with some scattered Low Moderates in the early part of the week.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain mostly Good entering the upcoming weekend. 

01/09/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, January 9, 2026 - Monday, January 12, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI) with some Moderate (Yellow AQI) possible late in the forecast period.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Strong winds will accompany a cold front today (Friday), bringing a mix of precipitation across Michigan. Accumulating snow is expected in the western Upper Peninsula, while the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula may experience a mix of rain and snow with little accumulation. Any precipitation in southern areas will fall as rain. Temperatures start unseasonably warm across much of Michigan, but readings will drop as colder air moves in. Conditions briefly quiet late Friday before two systems phase and move through the region on Saturday. Snow returns to the forecast across the western Upper Peninsula early Saturday, and snow chances spread east across the state through the day. Snow ends west to east Sunday as ridging builds.

Air quality will remain in the Good range across most areas through the end of the week. A brief period of lighter winds in the east on Saturday could allow for some low Moderate readings, but reinforcing northwest winds late Saturday into Sunday should maintain Good conditions into the new week.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models indicate a quick-moving system on Monday that may bring snow to northern areas, but most of the state should remain dry. A stronger clipper system is expected Tuesday, returning snow to the forecast statewide. Air quality should stay in the Good range, though lighter winds on Monday could lead to some low Moderate readings in the more urban areas.

Next Forecast update: Monday, January 12, 2026

01/05/2026 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, January 5, 2026 - Friday, January 9, 2026

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Moderate (Yellow AQI) this forecast period.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 A few weather systems will impact the region this week. The first disturbance arrives on Tuesday, bringing rain and freezing rain south and mixed precipitation north. High pressure builds in midweek, resulting in generally quiet weather conditions Wednesday and Thursday.  Another system approaches from the southwest late Thursday to Friday. Forecast models indicate warmer temperatures with this system, so precipitation will fall mainly as rain as the associated boundary moves through.

 The current forecast trends keep surface moisture and light winds over the region much of the week.  This combination will keep fine particulate levels in the Moderate range.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show a stronger storm system traveling through the region on Saturday. This system will bring snow into the forecast, and cold northerly winds will develop in its wake. Air quality levels late in the period should average mostly Good.

Next Forecast update: Friday, January 9, 2026

12/29/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, December 29, 2025 through Monday, January 5, 2026

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) throughout the forecast period.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION

 Michiganders awoke to cold, blustery conditions as a deepening low over northern Michigan migrates eastward.  Strong wrap-around winds behind the low will usher in snow showers, 20-degree temperatures, and wind gusts of 50+ mph.  This is a big change from the 50-degree temperatures many areas in Lower Michigan experienced, on Sunday, during a brief time in the warm air sector of this passing low-pressure system.

 For the remainder of the New Year’s week, a Canadian upper air low will support seasonally cold air across the Great Lakes region.  A weak short wave clipper system will provide a good chance for light snow late Tuesday/Tuesday night, with light accumulation.  A stronger short wave is projected to deliver a reinforcing short of arctic air Wednesday into New Year’s.  Long range temperature projections do not have the thermometer breaking the freezing point anytime during this forecast period.

 In terms of Air Quality, we begin the weekend with Good Air Quality, with the colder northwest winds, which should persist throughout the week.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain mostly Good entering the upcoming post-holiday week. 

12/22/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, December 22, 2025 - Monday, December 29, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average between Good (Green AQI) and Moderate (Yellow AQI).

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

For those dreaming of a white Christmas, some areas will experience one while others will go without this year.  A few storm systems are passing through this holiday week with temperatures warm enough for rain at times.  The first system is a warm front with light snow Monday, changing to a mix or just rain early Tuesday.  A break is expected from Tuesday to Wednesday as high pressure slides over the state.  Yet another system arrives late on Christmas Day. Temperatures accompanying this system are borderline between causing freezing or liquid precipitation, so travelers should check local weather conditions prior to traveling.

As for air quality, prolonged periods of stagnation are not expected over the next week.  Many locations may see fine particulate concentrations in the middle Moderate range, especially during the morning hours, but daily averages of fine particulates higher than the Moderate range are not anticipated over the next week.  Air quality levels between the Good and Moderate ranges can be expected throughout the period.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show northerly winds behind a late weekend storm that brings in colder temperatures.  Precipitation may start as rain as the system moves in; however, rain will change to snow as the cold air filters in.  Any Moderate fine particulate readings should improve to Good early next week.

Next Forecast update: Monday, December 29, 2025

12/19/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, December 19, 2025 through Monday, December 22, 2025

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) to Low Moderate (AQI Yellow).

FORECAST DISCUSSION

The short break in the cold weather streak we have endured during December ended abruptly Thursday evening with the passage of a strong cold front.  Temperatures, which had reached 50 degrees in many areas, are plunging back into the mid-20’s for a high on Friday. 

As the cold front advances eastward, an approaching high-pressure ridge will moderate Saturday’s temperatures back into the mid-30’s.  Following that, a weak clipper system is expected to pass through the region during Sunday plunging temperatures back into the 20’s.

Christmas week is trending towards warmer weather with above-normal temperatures expected throughout the week.  That indicates that, despite extremely cold weather and heavy snow pack from early December, we will probably not see much of a white Christmas, at least in the Lower Peninsula.

On a positive note, astronomical winter begins on Sunday, which means days will start getting longer.

In terms of Air Quality, we begin the weekend with Good Air Quality with the colder northwest winds.  However, as we see some additional melting during Saturday, odds increase for Air Quality to creep into the Low Moderate range, in some areas.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Low Moderate entering the weekend. 

12/15/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, December 15, 2025 through Friday, December 20, 2025

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) to Low Moderate (AQI Yellow).

 FORECAST DISCUSSION

 Being a weather geek and a numbers nerd, I ran some numbers to show what we already know.  It’s been a cold December!  In Lansing, the average high temperature for this time of year is 36 degrees.  This year, however, the December temperature has only broken the freezing mark twice, and just barely.  The average daily temperature has been 11 degrees below normal.

 The last full week before the Christmas holiday promises to show a slight moderation in temperature.  Mid-week temperatures are looking to reach the upper 30’s or even low 40’s, giving the accumulated snow pack a chance to melt, a bit.  The seven-day forecast is not showing any major winter weather issues, although Thursday is showing rain tapering to snow showers during the night.  Even without any new major snow events in the long-range forecast, it is a good chance that we will retain enough snow to have a white Christmas.

 In terms of Air Quality, we begin the week with Good Air Quality.  However, as we see some melting and the addition of moisture to the atmosphere, that increases the chances for Air Quality to creep into the Moderate range, during the week.

  EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Moderate entering the weekend.  The next best chance for light accumulating snow occurs early next week.

12/12/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, December 12, 2025 - Monday, December 15, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average between Good (Green AQI) and Moderate (Yellow AQI).

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

A system north of Lake Superior keeps snow in the forecast on Friday, including lake effect snow in its wake. A second system tracking south of Michigan on Saturday may bring snow accumulations to southern locations; otherwise, north to northwest winds will keep lake effect snow in the forecast in the most prone areas. Temperatures also fall this weekend as arctic air moves in. Friday night’s lows will range from near zero in the Upper Peninsula to the teens across Lower Michigan. Low temperatures on Saturday and Sunday night will be in the single digits, with highs on Sunday only in the teens. Wind chills below zero can also be expected during this period. The threat of snow lingers Monday as a system drops in from the northwest.

Air quality levels on Friday will range from Moderate in the south to Good in central and northern locations.  Northwesterly winds from Saturday into Sunday will allow for Good levels statewide.  By Monday, some Moderate concentrations may move back in across the south; otherwise, good air quality will prevail.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show a warmup by midweek next week.  The warmer surface temperatures, and possible rain, will result in melting snow. Increased surface moisture will allow for Moderate air quality levels.

Next Forecast update: Monday, December 15, 2025

12/08/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, December 8, 2025 - Friday, December 12, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average upper Good (Green AQI) to middle Moderate (Yellow AQI).

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 A couple of systems will bring precipitation to the state through Wednesday.  The first clipper system moves northwest to southeast on Tuesday with chances for snow in northern and central locations, while mixed precipitation is possible further south.  The second system quickly follows suit Wednesday. Much of the state will experience snow, but temperatures look to be warm enough in the south for liquid precipitation to start the event, changing to snow as temperatures fall.  Cold air returns for the end of the week, along with the chance for scattered snow showers.

 Air quality levels in the Good range on Monday may increase to the low-Moderate from Tuesday into Wednesday, especially across the southern portion of the lower Peninsula.  Stronger northwest winds developing behind the Wednesday system will allow for Good fine particulate levels through Friday.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show a few more systems late in the forecast period that will keep cold air and snow showers in the forecast.  Air quality levels late in the period are not expected to reach higher than low-Moderate.

Next Forecast update: Friday, December 12, 2025

12/05/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, December 5, 2025 through Monday, December 8, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) to Low Moderate (AQI Yellow).

FORECAST DISCUSSION

Clear skies and calm winds produced a chilly Thursday night with temperatures down into the single digits.  Clouds are redeveloping over the area Friday morning, as the high pressure moves east and follow-up southwest winds bring clouds and eventually snow showers.

The models are indicating some concern for some light freezing drizzle around daybreak, Saturday morning.  This does not appear to be a long duration event but could be just enough to cause some minor impacts during Saturday morning travels.  Colder air comes in by mid Saturday morning and precipitation should taper off as weak high pressure builds in.

A short wave pushes through the area, Saturday night.  Combined with lake moisture, it will produce some light snow through Sunday morning in West Michigan.  Stronger high pressure will build over the area, later Sunday, and linger through Monday.

Air Quality starts out with a mix of Good and Low Moderate AQI readings.  However, with a cold snowpack and some high pressure, concentrations will likely remain in the Good to Low Moderate range.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Low Moderate entering the next work week.  The next best chance for accumulating snow occurs next Tuesday and Wednesday.

12/01/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, December 1, 2025 through Friday, December 5, 2025

 PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be Good (AQI Green) to Low Moderate (AQI Yellow).

  FORECAST DISCUSSION

 Today (Monday) marks the beginning of Meteorological Winter.  Astronomical Winter occurs on December 21, which marks the shortest day of the year.  The current weather pattern is living up the winter name with colder than normal temperatures following a weekend snowfall event unmatched in many years for this time of year.

 The cold weather will continue for the foreseeable future.  In the Lower Peninsula, normal daytime high temperatures should be around 40 degrees with lows in the upper 20’s.  It is unlikely that we will see temperatures north of the freezing point during this forecast period with low temperatures potentially reaching single digits Thursday night.

 Monday morning, Air Quality starts out in the Good AQI range.  However, with a cold snowpack and lingering overnight inversions, some stagnation could drive concentrations into the Low Moderate range.

 While models are not showing any major storms heading our way, the National Weather Service is predicting a major lake effect snow event occurring on Monday night, north of Muskegon.  Other lake shore counties will probably also see some snow but to a much lesser extent.  A cold front is expected to drop south from Canada, Wednesday night, with some light snow accumulation expected.

  EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Low Moderate entering the weekend.

11/24/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, November 24, 2025 - Monday, December 1, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI), with a few periods of Moderates (Yellow AQI) possible.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 Quiet weather conditions start this forecast period.  On Monday, dry and seasonably warm weather is in place; however, a change is in store as we move towards mid-week.  This change begins as precipitation moves in Tuesday ahead of a developing storm system.  Temperatures will be warm enough for the precipitation to be in the form of rain.  The main weather system tracks from the Dakotas Tuesday morning to the western portion of the Upper Peninsula Wednesday morning.  Cold northwest winds behind the associated cold front switch the rain to snow starting Tuesday night in the Upper Peninsula, and western portions of the area could see 12+ inches of snow from Tuesday evening into Thanksgiving morning.  As this system continues moving west, strong northwest winds cause temperatures to plummet from northwest to southeast through the state.  The cold northwest winds over the relatively "warm" lake waters likely produce significant accumulations of snow in the most prone northwest flow areas of the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower regions.  Those traveling for the coming Thanksgiving holiday should check local weather conditions prior to heading out.  Cold northwest winds continue into Friday, and lake effect snow continues as well.

 Air quality levels Monday into Tuesday could reach the Moderate range, especially across southern areas, thanks to the warmer temperatures and a southerly wind flow that lingers into Wednesday.  The cold northwest winds that develop from northwest to southeast from late Tuesday into Wednesday will produce Good air quality statewide by Wednesday, and good air quality readings will continue through Friday.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models are showing high pressure moving over the state Saturday.  This pattern change ends lake effect snow for a period of time; however, the next weather system could bring rain/snow back into the forecast starting on Sunday, lasting into Monday.  Lighter winds turn southwest winds late in the forecast period.  This flow could allow for Moderate fine particulate readings, especially in the more urban portions of the state.

Next Forecast update: Monday, December 1, 2025

11/21/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, November 21, 2025 through Monday, November 24, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) to scattered Low Moderate (AQI Yellow).

  FORECAST DISCUSSION

The passage of a cold front, early Friday morning, will give way to high pressure building in behind the front.  This will encourage mostly clear skies, for the weekend, with the added benefit of moderate temperatures staying pretty consistent.  In fact, temperatures are expected in the low 50’s from Sunday through Tuesday.  Current Moderate AQI readings in the lower half of the Lower Peninsula should give way to mostly Good AQI.

Current model runs are indicating a short wave expected to develop late Monday and continuing into Tuesday with precipitation staying all rain.  With the exception of potential lake effect rain/snow showers, the long range forecasts are currently showing the weather behaving during the holiday travel period.  Keeping fingers crossed for that forecast prediction to hold true.

Friday marks exactly one month until the winter solstice occurs.  Fortunately, the loss of daylight hours is slowing to around one minute per day.  Following the winter solstice, (December 21), the days will start getting longer again, slowly at first, then gaining momentum. 

Air Quality should not be an issue as fine particulate matter levels stay mostly Good with a few scattered Low Moderates.

  EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Low Moderate entering the upcoming work week.

11/17/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, November 17, 2025 through Friday, November 21, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour average Fine Particulate concentrations are expected to be mostly Good (AQI Green) to scattered Low Moderate (AQI Yellow).

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

A low-pressure system, currently in the central Plaine states, as of Monday morning, will migrate eastward and impact our weather into midweek.  The system will pass to our south, with a warm front stretching across the Ohio Valley.  As the warmer air to our south overrides the colder air at the surface, we can expect some precipitation to form in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula late Monday night through most of Tuesday.  Drier air at the surface will evaporate much of the early precipitation, but as the air becomes more saturated, precipitation will eventually reach the surface.  The first precipitation to reach the ground will likely be snow, which will transition to sleet and rain as daytime temperatures warm.  The potential for some lingering drizzle/freezing drizzle could last into Tuesday evening.

The next chance for some precipitation occurs Thursday into Friday morning, when we will likely see some rain, thanks to a northern trough moving through the region.  Current model projections indicate the weekend should be dry.

Air Quality should not be an issue as fine particulate matter levels stays Good with a few scattered Low Moderates.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

 Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Low Moderate entering the upcoming weekend.

11/14/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, November 14, 2025 - Monday, November 17, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI), with only a few Moderates (Yellow AQI) possible Friday into Saturday.

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Dry weather and unseasonably warm temperatures start this forecast period.  The dry, warm conditions can be attributed to high pressure and an upper-level ridge south/southeast of the state producing a warm southerly flow over the region.  High temperatures on Friday will range in the 50s, and readings could reach the low 60s in the south on Saturday.  The next weather system is a low-pressure area on Saturday tracking from west to east just north of Lake Superior.  This system brings a cold front from northwest to southeast throughout the day.  Precipitation will accompany this weather system; however, southern areas may remain dry.  What will be most noticed, however, are the strong northwesterly winds and cold air moving in behind this boundary.

Southerly winds statewide on Friday, lasting into Saturday in the south, could allow for low-Moderate daily averages of fine particulate.  Any increase in pollution will improve from late Saturday to Sunday as strong northwesterly winds develop behind the cold front.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended forecast models show dry conditions lingering into the first half of next week.  Fine particulate levels during this period are not expected to reach higher than low-Moderate.

Next Forecast update: Monday, November 17, 2025

11/10/2025 Air Quality Forecast

FORECAST SUMMARY: Monday, November 10, 2025 - Friday, November 14, 2025

PM-2.5: 24-hour daily average Fine Particulate concentrations will average mostly Good (Green AQI), with only a few Moderates (Yellow AQI) during the forecast period.

 FORECAST DISCUSSION:

 The first taste of winter arrived this past weekend as much of the state saw its first accumulating snowfall of the season.  The snowfall happened as a disturbance passed through on Sunday.  Strong north winds behind this system are creating lake effect snow, with more accumulations expected today, Monday, in the most prone north/northwest regions.  Lake effect snow should taper off Tuesday as high pressure moving in switches winds to a south/southwesterly direction for a short time.  Weak disturbances in the northwesterly upper-level flow, however, will keep small chances for precipitation through mid-week.  Temperatures will be warm enough for the precipitation to fall mostly as rain.

 As for air quality, northwesterly winds will keep fine particulate levels generally Good, aside from a low-Moderate average possible in the more urban locations.  By Thursday, high pressure moves overhead, and wind speeds decrease.  Daily fine particulate concentrations may reach the low-Moderate range from Thursday into Friday.

 EXTENDED FORECAST:

Extended models show dry conditions through most of Saturday and high temperatures ranging in the 40s and 50s through the weekend.  The next weather system could bring precipitation back into the forecast from late Saturday to Sunday.  Currently, temperatures look to be warm enough for rain in lieu of snow.  Air quality in the extended period is not expected to reach higher than the low Moderate range.

Next Forecast update: Friday, November 14, 2025