Current air quality outlook
Department meteorologists use monitoring data and weather forecast models to predict Wisconsin's future air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI) [exit DNR]. If warranted, an Air Quality Notice is issued. Below is the latest air quality forecast for Wisconsin.
Wednesday, May 18 - Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Ozone
Good to Moderate levels.
Particle pollution (PM2.5)
Good to Moderate levels.
Weather outlook
Wednesday - Scattered rain showers in the south this morning should dissipate through the afternoon as strong to severe storm development is then anticipated in the northwest. Cool temperatures, favorable flow, and precipitation will maintain Good AQI.
Weather map for Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Graphic is courtesy of the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center.
Thursday - Strengthening low-pressure in the Plains will move into the Great Lakes Region throughout the day on Thursday, leaving southern Wisconsin in the warm-sector with high temperatures near 80-degrees. Strong to severe storm potential will once again arrive in the afternoon, lasting into early Friday morning. Moderate AQI ozone is likely in southern areas that can remain dry, especially our lakeshore, where a lake breeze coupled with southerly flow will cause an influx of ozone precursors. Moderate AQI PM2.5 will also be possible in these areas, especially southwest and south-central WI. Good AQI is forecast more northern areas.
Weather map for Thursday, May 19, 2022. Graphic is courtesy of the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center.
Friday - The system will slowly drag its cold front through the state on Friday, which is where scattered morning storms will become isolated into the early afternoon. The Southeast looks to remain ahead of the front through this time, with strong SW winds leading to hot conditions. However, the front should move through this area in the afternoon, becoming the focus of strong to severe storm development. Although SE areas will see ozone climbing into the early afternoon ahead of the cold front, precipitation along with the frontal passage will lead to Good AQI on the day.
Extended outlook
Mostly cloudy skies on Saturday slowly begin to thin throughout the day on Sunday as high-pressure moves into the Great Lakes Region. Precipitation chances will stick around for most areas during this time as well. High-pressure currently looks to provide a dry day on Monday before precipitation chances return again on Tuesday. Overall, this will be a period of below normal temperatures and favorable flow, likely maintaining Good AQI.
Note: All weather maps are courtesy of the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center [exit DNR].
Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges
For more information about AQI ranges and colors, see the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics [exit DNR].