Detroit, Michigan – Hazy skies and poor air quality are raising health concerns across Michigan as wildfire smoke blankets the region through Tuesday night. Residents from Detroit to Flint are waking up to air quality advisories, with state officials urging everyone—especially children, seniors, and people with heart or lung conditions—to limit time outdoors and keep windows closed.
According to the National Weather Service, fine particulate pollution from ongoing Canadian wildfires has pushed air quality into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category for all Michigan counties, including Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Genesee. Localized areas may reach “Unhealthy” levels, where even healthy people could experience symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, or chest discomfort.
Detroit, Pontiac, and Ann Arbor residents should avoid strenuous activity outside and run air conditioning with high-efficiency filters when possible. If you must be outdoors, limit exposure, and watch for breathing problems. Schools, daycare centers, and outdoor workers should take extra precautions.
Some haze will persist into Wednesday as temperatures slowly climb into the upper 80s. Isolated showers or storms are possible in the afternoon and evening, but the smoke and air quality concerns remain the top risk through tonight.
Officials warn that additional advisories could be issued if conditions worsen. The next major update is expected Wednesday morning.
