Detroit, Michigan – Michigan residents from the Upper Peninsula to Detroit are under a statewide Air Quality Alert until noon Monday, as wildfire smoke from Canada drives dangerous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the region.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the alert began Saturday in the western Upper Peninsula, where the Air Quality Index has reached Very Unhealthy (Purple) levels for counties including Keweenaw, Marquette, and Gogebic. As smoke expands southeast on Sunday, Unhealthy to USG (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) conditions are expected in Midland, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.
People in impacted counties—including Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Branch, Hillsdale, Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb—should avoid outdoor activities, especially those with asthma, heart, or lung conditions. Residents may notice haze, smoky odors, and symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, or burning eyes. EGLE urges Michiganders to keep windows closed, run central air with MERV-13 or better filters, and avoid outdoor burning to limit indoor smoke.
Drivers along I-94, I-75, and US-131 may encounter reduced visibility, while some schools and summer camps may modify activities. If you experience symptoms or have respiratory disease, monitor the MiAir and AirNow sites for updates.
The current Air Quality Alert remains in effect until noon Monday, July 14, but additional advisories may follow if conditions worsen.
