Gaylord, Michigan – Smoky skies are choking Northern Michigan air through Saturday, as elevated pollution levels trigger statewide health warnings across more than 30 counties, including Otsego, Emmet, and Grand Traverse.
According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Air Quality Advisory remains in effect through Saturday due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from lingering wildfire smoke. The levels are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory issues.
Residents in Gaylord woke up Friday to hazy skies and a chill in the air, with visibility at just 6 miles and humidity over 80%. Areas of smoke are expected to continue through Saturday night, with light winds offering little dispersal. Communities including Alpena, Roscommon, and Charlevoix should expect similar hazy, stagnant conditions.
Health officials urge residents to avoid outdoor exertion, keep windows shut, and run central air with high-efficiency filters. Nighttime smoke can worsen breathing issues, so staying indoors is highly recommended, especially for children and older adults.
Warnings remain in effect through Saturday, but clearer skies are expected by Sunday as winds shift and smoke dissipates across the region.
Five-Day Forecast for Gaylord, Michigan:
- Saturday: High 77°F, areas of smoke, mostly sunny
- Sunday: High 80°F, patchy smoke early, then mostly sunny
- Monday: High 82°F, calm and clear
- Tuesday: High 82°F, mostly sunny, light winds
- Wednesday: High 83°F, continued sunshine, low humidity
