Department meteorologists use monitoring data and weather forecast models to predict Wisconsin's future ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI) [exit DNR]. This forecast is updated two-to-three times weekly throughout the year, and when warranted, an Air Quality Advisory is issued. Below is the latest air quality forecast for Wisconsin.

Updated Thursday, March 5 - 9:48 a.m.

Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Ozone

Good (Green) AQI levels.

Particle pollution (PM_2.5)

Good (Green) to Moderate (Yellow) AQI levels.

Short-Term Forecast Maps:

Forecast AQI maps for the short-term forecast period.

The black dots represent the approximate location of Wisconsin's air quality monitors. Read the forecast summaries below for further geographic information.

Short-Term Forecast (Days 1-3)

PM2.5 concentrations remain elevated for most this (Thursday) morning outside of a pocket of cleaner air to the north-northwest. Although Good (Green) AQI PM2.5 will be possible in these areas today, we’ll maintain a statewide Moderate (Yellow) AQI forecast. Hourly (NowCast) PM2.5 concentrations in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) AQI category will once again be possible from approximately 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday. Although PM2.5 concentrations are expected to remain elevated through the AM hours of Friday, an approaching system will increase wind speeds and precipitation chances through the PM hours, with a decreasing trend in PM2.5 concentrations expected. Potentially strong storms will then move through late Friday into Saturday morning, followed by breezy northwesterly winds Saturday afternoon. Therefore, we’ll keep a statewide Moderate (Yellow) AQI PM2.5 forecast Friday, followed by statewide Good (Green) AQI Saturday.

Extended Outlook (Days 4-7)

An active period is forecast over the extended outlook, with breezy SW winds expected Sunday before weakening on Monday as the next system develops over the Plains. This disturbance will then eject into the Midwest in the Tuesday to Wednesday timeframe. Mostly Good AQI is expected during this period, with the best chance for Moderate AQI to develop on Tuesday.

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].