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, October 6 - Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Ozone

Good 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)

A thin band of rain associated with a cold front is traveling northwest to southeast through WI this morning, with winds shifting to primarily northerly behind the front. Spikes in PM2.5 concentrations are being seen in near-real-time data as the frontal boundary passes over select monitors, likely due to the compression of the cool boundary layer along the leading edge of the front. However, these spikes will be short-lived. High pressure behind the front will quickly become the meteorological driver, delivering clean air and seasonably cold temperatures. Overnight minimum temperatures will dip into the upper 20s to low 30s tonight and tomorrow. A slight warmup is in store for Saturday as the strong surface high moves to our south, shifting winds to primarily easterly. Despite overnight/early morning maxima of PM2.5 associated with temperature inversions, Good AQI for both Ozone and PM2.5 is expected for the short-term forecast period.

Extended Outlook (Days 4-7)

Saturday’s easterly winds will become light and variable on Sunday, slowly shifting to southerly throughout the day on Monday as high pressure over the Midwest moves off to the east and a rather strong surface low in Canada drops a cold front into the northern United States. Ahead of this front, long-range meteorological models suggest fairly robust southerly winds, allowing high temperatures to reach back into the upper 60s to low 70s on Tuesday. Passage of this second cold front will likely occur Wednesday. Ozone and PM2.5 are forecast to remain in the Good AQI range Sunday and Monday, with increased chances for Moderate AQI conditions on Tuesday and a return to Good AQI for Wednesday and Thursday next week.

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].