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.

Thursday, April 15 - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Ozone

Good levels.

Particle pollution (PM_2.5)

Good to Moderate levels.

Weather outlook

Thursday - Expect mostly cloudy skies to stick around alongside breezy winds out of the NW for eastern areas and seasonably cool temperatures statewide. The NW winds will encourage a continuation of Good AQI.

Weather map for Thursday, April 15, 2021. Graphic is courtesy of the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center.

Friday - More sunshine alongside weaker northerly winds will lead to temperatures at to slightly above normal inland, while remaining cooler lakeside. Although winds will be weaker, they remain out of the north, and with more sunshine expected, vertical mixing should be less inhibited. Thus, Good AQI is forecast to continue.

Weather map for Friday, April 16, 2021. Graphic is courtesy of the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center.

Saturday - We should see rather similar conditions to Friday to begin the weekend, with perhaps a bit more cloud cover. Weak northerly winds should help to maintain Good AQI, although PM2.5 concentrations may begin to increase slightly.

Extended outlook

Weak winds will rotate more WSW as a system drops into the Upper Great Lakes Region on Sunday, which could push PM2.5 concentrations into the Moderate AQI category on the day for southern and eastern areas. An associated front with accompanying precipitation chances will then traverse NW to SE across the state on Monday. SE areas ahead of the front may see Moderate AQI on the day, while areas behind the front will see Good AQI bolstered by NW winds and a fresh air mass. We then look to remain in a more active pattern into mid-week, allowing Good AQI to stick around.

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].