Lansing, MI – A statewide Air Quality Alert remains in effect across Michigan through Sunday as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to impact air quality, prompting health officials to urge residents to limit outdoor activities.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the National Weather Service, elevated levels of fine particulate pollution from Canadian wildfires are affecting the entire state. The alert covers all of Michigan on Sunday, while northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are experiencing the greatest impacts today.
Officials say ozone concentrations could also increase as smoke lingers across the state, further degrading air quality.
Residents are encouraged to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially those with asthma, heart disease, other respiratory illnesses, older adults, and young children. Anyone who must spend extended time outdoors should consider wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator to help reduce exposure to fine smoke particles.
The Air Quality Index forecast shows conditions ranging from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups across much of Lower Michigan to Unhealthy in parts of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Health officials recommend staying indoors when possible, keeping windows closed, and using air conditioning or air filtration systems if available. Residents should also monitor local air quality conditions through the EPA’s AirNow website or Michigan’s EGLE air quality resources, as smoke concentrations may change throughout the day.
The statewide air quality alert is expected to remain in effect through Sunday, with additional updates possible depending on wildfire smoke movement and weather conditions.
