Gaylord, Mich. – A smoky haze hangs over northern Michigan, muting the sunshine and limiting visibility across highways and lakeshores. Air quality has become the biggest concern today as wildfire smoke continues pouring south from Canada, creating unhealthy conditions before a wetter pattern returns early next week.
An Air Quality Alert remains in effect across much of northern Michigan through today as elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) drift into the region. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), air quality is expected to reach the Hazardous category in parts of northern Michigan before gradually improving later.
The alert includes Otsego, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Emmet, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Alpena, Crawford, Kalkaska, Oscoda, Roscommon, Manistee, Wexford, Presque Isle and many surrounding counties. Residents with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions should remain indoors when possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Travelers along I-75, M-32 and US-131 may notice reduced visibility as patchy smoke lingers through much of the day. While a few morning showers or thunderstorms are possible, smoke is expected to become more widespread by late morning and continue into tonight.
Sunday brings sunshine with a high near 76 degrees, but areas of smoke may continue through much of the day. Monday turns warmer with highs around 80 degrees, followed by a 50% chance of afternoon showers. Rain and thunderstorms become increasingly likely Monday night into Tuesday, July 21, offering the potential for cleaner air as the next weather system moves through northern Michigan.
The broader weather pattern across the Great Lakes continues to funnel Canadian wildfire smoke into the region while a stronger disturbance arrives early next week. The Climate Prediction Center also indicates above-normal temperatures are favored later next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Gaylord, Michigan
- Today: High 70°F. Patchy smoke after morning thunderstorms. Wind gusts up to 25 mph.
- Sunday: High 76°F. Sunny with areas of smoke.
- Monday: High 80°F. Partly sunny with a 50% chance of afternoon showers.
- Tuesday: High 73°F. Showers likely.
- Wednesday: High 66°F. Mostly sunny and cooler.
