Lansing, Mich. – Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to smother Michigan in haze Thursday, prompting a statewide air quality advisory that will remain in effect through noon Friday, June 6. Residents across the Lower Peninsula—from Detroit to Traverse City—are being urged to limit time outdoors as particulate levels reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), fine particulates (PM2.5) are expected to remain elevated, with some areas possibly hitting the “Unhealthy” range for brief periods. The advisory covers all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula, including major metro areas such as Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Flint.
Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart conditions, should avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Symptoms to watch for include wheezing, coughing, dizziness, or throat and eye irritation. EGLE and the Department of Health recommend keeping windows closed overnight and using central air systems with MERV-13 or better filters.
Smoke concentrations are expected to linger until Friday morning. Residents are also asked to reduce outdoor burning and avoid using wood stoves to limit further air pollution.
Additional air quality updates are expected Friday. Residents can check current conditions at airnow.gov or the MiAir site.
