The highest AQ index in Michigan (as of 14:00 EST) is currently the Saginaw area. Particle Pollution (PM2.5) is measuring at 52 (Moderate). This means air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Over the next few days, the highest Particle Pollution (PM2.5) will be in the Ann Arbor area. It is forecasted to be Good, meaning air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
FORECAST DISCUSSION The Friday morning surprise was waking up to 5-6” of fresh snow in mid-Michigan. Since the long-range forecasts are showing few chances for significant weather events between now and Christmas, will the snow pack linger through Christmas? Although I expect to see some sun during the weekend, temperatures will fall with daily highs in the 20’s preserving the snow. Temperatures look to rebound, early next week, with daily highs in the 30’s which will force some melting. Hopefully, some snow will still be on the ground, Christmas morning. Winter solstice occurs at 4:21AM, Saturday morning, for the shortest day of the year. Although daylight hours increase during the winter months, temperatures will likely continue to fall. This is because it takes time for the Earth, particularly its oceans, to change temperature, an effect known as seasonal lag. So colder days are probably coming, but I will take the longer days as a win. In terms of Air Quality, we are enjoying Good AQI conditions. The northerly winds we will experience this weekend should keep Air Quality in the Good range. The warmup and melting snow, next week, could push fine particulates in the Low Moderate range but I am not expecting any worse. For those traveling during the weekend and early next week, no major disruptions look to be predicted. A weakening shortwave aloft may produce some light precipitation during Monday, before it washes out, but nothing major is expected. Too soon to tell, with any confidence, about any weather issues post-Christmas. EXTENDED FORECAST: Air Quality is expected to remain Good to Low Moderate going into the next week.
| Range | 0 - 50 | 51 - 100 | 101 - 150 | 151 - 200 | 201 - 300 | 301 - 500 |
| Color | ||||||
| Category | Good | Moderate | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Unhealthy | Very Unhealthy | Hazardous |
Last Updated 17 minutes ago
Below is a list of counties in Michigan. Click on any county below and you'll get a list of cities where we provide AQ index forecasts.