Grand Rapids, Michigan – Canadian wildfire smoke is blanketing Michigan for a second day, triggering a statewide Air Quality Alert through Monday, July 14. Residents from Muskegon to Detroit are urged to limit outdoor activity as fine particulate levels climb into the “Unhealthy” range for much of northern and central Michigan, with “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” air persisting farther south.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), smoke plumes will continue to drift south and east across the state through Monday, raising PM2.5 levels into the Red (Unhealthy) and Orange (USG) AQI zones. The highest concentrations are expected north of US-10, including Traverse City, Alpena, and Marquette, while cities like Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Mount Pleasant could see conditions fluctuate between Unhealthy and USG. Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo are likely to remain in the Moderate to USG range.
Schools and outdoor programs in affected counties—including Kent, Ingham, Midland, and Berrien—are encouraged to move activities indoors. Residents with asthma, COPD, or heart disease should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and watch for symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, or dizziness. Households should keep windows closed overnight and run air conditioning with high-efficiency filters if possible. Outdoor burning and wood stove use are discouraged statewide.
Smoke and poor air quality may persist into early Tuesday if additional plumes arrive. More advisories are possible; check real-time conditions at AirNow.gov or MiAir.
