Grand Rapids, Michigan – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is keeping Michigan’s air dangerously polluted through at least Saturday, with health officials warning of “Unhealthy” PM2.5 levels across all 83 counties.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), an Air Quality Advisory remains in effect through Saturday, August 2, as fine particle pollution (PM2.5) sits in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range (AQI Orange), with some regions reaching full “Unhealthy” (Red AQI). The worst conditions are centered in the Lower Peninsula, including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo.
The dense smoke is expected to linger as high pressure stalls over the region, limiting air movement and keeping pollutants trapped at the surface. While some short-lived improvement is possible Friday morning, additional smoke plumes will likely worsen air quality again into Saturday.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, especially those with asthma, heart conditions, or respiratory illness. Health officials recommend closing windows overnight and running air conditioning systems with high-grade filters. Outdoor burning and use of residential wood stoves should be avoided.
Conditions may improve by Sunday, but updates are expected as smoke patterns shift. The advisory remains active until at least Saturday night.
📅 5-Day Forecast for Grand Rapids:
- Friday: Sunny, high near 79°F. Northeast wind 3–7 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 82°F. Light northeast wind.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 84°F. Southeast wind around 6 mph.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 86°F. Light wind.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 84°F.
