Marquette, Michigan – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pushing hazardous air back into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Monday, June 2, with air quality expected to deteriorate to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), fine particulate levels (PM2.5) are projected to rise into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG) range across the region. Hourly air quality readings could briefly reach the “Unhealthy” (red AQI) range in some locations.
The advisory affects communities across the central and western Upper Peninsula, including Marquette, Escanaba, Houghton, and Ironwood. Residents with respiratory conditions, heart disease, or young children are urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Visibility may also drop due to haze, especially near Lake Superior.
EGLE recommends limiting time outdoors and running air purifiers indoors if available. These air quality concerns come as dry weather continues across the region, reminiscent of similar smoke events seen in 2023.
The advisory remains in effect through late Monday evening. Additional alerts may be issued if conditions worsen.
