Detroit, MI – An Air Quality Alert has been issued for southeast Michigan on Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to increase levels of fine particle pollution across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), wildfire smoke moving into the state is expected to produce elevated PM2.5 concentrations, resulting in unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups throughout Wednesday.
The alert covers all of southeast Michigan, including the Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
Officials said people with asthma, heart disease, chronic lung conditions, older adults, children, and others who are especially sensitive to air pollution should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities if possible. Residents are also encouraged to keep windows closed when practical and use indoor air filtration if available.
The air quality concerns come as southeast Michigan also experiences another stretch of hot and humid weather, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values approaching or exceeding 100 degrees in some locations.
According to forecasters, smoke concentrations may vary throughout the day depending on wind patterns, but air quality is expected to remain in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category for much of Wednesday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions and follow updates from the National Weather Service and state environmental officials as conditions evolve.
