Marquette, MI – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is sweeping across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin, prompting urgent air quality advisories through noon Thursday. Sensitive groups—including children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions—should limit outdoor activities as air quality worsens to the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (Orange AQI) and, at times, “Unhealthy” (Red AQI) levels.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) will climb sharply after 3 p.m. Tuesday, spreading south and east across the Upper Peninsula overnight and pushing into all of Wisconsin by Wednesday. The affected area spans key counties such as Marquette, Houghton, Delta, Iron, Menominee, Vilas, Florence, Brown, and Door. Cities from Marquette and Iron Mountain to Green Bay and Wausau can expect the smoky haze to persist, with the heaviest impacts expected through midday Thursday.
Residents are urged to keep windows closed, run air conditioning with high-efficiency filters if possible, and avoid burning outdoors. Schools, hospitals, and care centers are on alert for increased respiratory complaints. For those with asthma or heart issues, keep medications close and seek help if symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath develop.
Smoke may briefly thin on Thursday before more arrives Friday. Stay updated via MiAir or Wisconsin Air Quality. Additional advisories may be issued as wildfire conditions evolve.
