Canadian wildfire smoke is once again blanketing Michigan, prompting an ongoing Air Quality Alert that will last through Monday, July 14. The smoke, which has been drifting across the state, has raised particulate levels to unhealthy levels, particularly in northern and central Michigan. Residents, especially those in areas like Muskegon and Detroit, are urged to limit outdoor activities as the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) climbs into the “Unhealthy” range. Areas farther south may experience air quality in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG) category.
Impact Across Michigan
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has warned that smoke plumes will continue to drift south and east across the state, causing air quality to worsen. In particular, regions north of US-10—including Traverse City, Alpena, and Marquette—are expected to experience the highest concentrations of smoke, with AQI levels in the Red (Unhealthy) zone. Cities like Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Mount Pleasant may see air quality fluctuate between Unhealthy and USG, while areas in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo will likely remain in the Moderate to USG range.
Health Risks and Safety Measures
The continued presence of wildfire smoke presents significant health risks, especially for sensitive groups such as individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, and the elderly. Schools and outdoor programs in affected counties—including Kent, Ingham, Midland, and Berrien—are being advised to move activities indoors. Residents with underlying health conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and be mindful of symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, or dizziness.
To reduce exposure, households should keep windows closed overnight and run air conditioning with high-efficiency filters, if possible. Additionally, outdoor burning and the use of wood stoves are discouraged throughout the state due to the potential to worsen air quality.
Ongoing Smoke Impact and Future Alerts
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to linger into early Tuesday, depending on the movement of additional plumes. The situation remains fluid, and more air quality advisories could be issued if the smoke persists. For real-time updates on air quality, Michigan residents are encouraged to visit AirNow.gov or MiAir to check the current conditions.
