Grand Rapids, Michigan – Anyone heading outdoors across western and central Michigan on Sunday should prepare for another round of wildfire smoke, with air quality expected to deteriorate statewide as a fresh plume moves into the region. The greatest concern is for people with asthma, heart disease, older adults and children, who could experience health effects after even moderate outdoor activity.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), a statewide Air Quality Alert is in effect Sunday because elevated levels of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke are expected to push much of the Lower Peninsula into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula saw the worst conditions Saturday, while smoke is forecast to spread farther south through Sunday. Ozone levels may also increase as smoke lingers.
Communities including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson, Big Rapids, Ludington, Mount Pleasant, Greenville and surrounding areas are expected to experience periods of reduced air quality.
Residents are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible, particularly those with respiratory or heart conditions. Anyone experiencing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness or irritation of the eyes, nose or throat should move indoors if symptoms develop. Keeping windows closed, limiting outdoor burning and running central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher filters, when available, can help reduce indoor smoke exposure.
Air quality can change throughout the day as smoke shifts. Residents should monitor Michigan.gov/MiAir or AirNow.gov before spending extended time outside. Additional air quality alerts remain possible if wildfire smoke continues to move across the Great Lakes into early next week.
