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.

Thursday, March 30 - Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Ozone

Good to Moderate levels.

Particle pollution (PM_2.5)

Good to Moderate levels.

Short-Term Forecast Maps:

The daily AQI is forecast for counties that monitor each pollutant of interest. 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)

High-pressure will be exiting to the east on Thursday as low-pressure building to our west begins to move into the region. Mostly sunny skies this morning will turn cloudy from west-to-east and south-to-north as a warm front lifts north and precipitation chances build through the afternoon. Most of this mixed precipitation should fall over the northern 2/3 of the state today, with better chances for mostly rain toward central Wisconsin. With little precipitation over the southern 1/3 of the state, PM2.5 concentrations could reach Low-Moderate AQI while Good AQI is forecast elsewhere. Precipitation then overspreads the state late tonight through Friday as the low-pressure system strengthens and moves over southern Wisconsin. Strong to severe thunderstorms toward the south, accumulating snow toward the north, and statewide Good AQI PM2.5 are forecast. The storm will quickly exit the Great Lakes region on Saturday, with wraparound moisture leading to snowfall late Friday night through the first half of Saturday. Winds will be strong during this period, gusting to 45-mph before turning northerly and slowly weakening through the PM hours. Good AQI is forecast to continue during this active period.

Extended Outlook (Days 4-7)

A brief ridge of high-pressure will roll through late Saturday into early Sunday before statewide southerly flow and a quick shot of mixed precipitation over northern WI returns Sunday PM. Currently, another strong low-pressure system is expected to develop over the Plains and move through the Great Lakes region in the Monday to Wednesday timeframe. Like the previous system, rain and thunderstorms are expected further south while the potential for accumulating snowfall could setup over the north. Good AQI to start the day Sunday will trend towards Moderate AQI late Sunday through Monday. Active weather should then promote Good AQI on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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].