Gaylord, Michigan – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is lowering air quality across Northern Michigan Tuesday, triggering a health advisory and reducing visibility in multiple counties from the Straits to the lakeshore. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy warns that pollutant levels may remain unhealthy for sensitive groups until late Tuesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, fine particulate matter from distant fires continues to move in from the north and east, creating widespread haze and lingering smoke concentrations near the ground. Affected counties include Emmet, Cheboygan, Alpena, Antrim, and Presque Isle, where residents with respiratory issues are urged to stay indoors and limit strenuous activity.
Pockets of patchy fog are possible late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, especially in low-lying areas. Showers and scattered thunderstorms may develop Thursday night into Friday, though no severe weather is currently expected.
Tuesday: Smoke and haze, especially after 2 p.m. High near 80°F.
Wednesday: Patchy fog early, then mostly sunny. High in the low 80s.
Thursday: Slight chance of showers and storms after 2 p.m. High near 84°F.
Friday: Thunderstorm chances early, then partly sunny. High in the upper 80s.
Saturday: Sunny, hot, and dry. High near 89°F.
Air quality is expected to improve by Wednesday. However, more smoke intrusions and storm chances could return next week, depending on regional wind patterns.
