Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires will send air quality across much of northern and central Michigan into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG, Orange AQI) range beginning as early as 3 a.m. Friday, putting residents at increased risk, especially those with asthma or heart disease.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), counties including Clare, Isabella, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Gratiot, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Sanilac should prepare for fine particulate (PM2.5) levels to spike through midnight Friday night. The advisory urges people to limit outdoor exertion and keep an eye on symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness as smoke concentrations may briefly reach the “Unhealthy” (Red AQI) level.
Communities such as Ludington, Reed City, Fremont, Alma, Greenville, Bay City, and Bad Axe are expected to see the most significant impacts Friday. Schools and daycares are urged to move activities indoors, while drivers should keep car vents on recirculate during commutes. Residents are advised to close windows overnight and run central air systems with high-efficiency (MERV-13+) filters if available.
EGLE also recommends avoiding outdoor burning and limiting the use of wood stoves to help reduce additional pollution. Those with respiratory or cardiac conditions should check air quality updates frequently and consider wearing N95 masks outdoors if symptoms worsen.
More advisories may be issued if wildfire smoke lingers into the weekend. For the latest air quality updates, visit the MiAir site or EPA’s AirNow.
