Marquette, Mich. – Unhealthy air is gripping Michigan as wildfire smoke from Canada lingers through Saturday, with fine particle pollution posing a health risk for millions statewide.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), an Air Quality Advisory remains in effect through Saturday evening. PM2.5 concentrations are expected to remain in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) to Unhealthy (Red AQI) range, especially in northern and central counties. All 83 Michigan counties are included in the advisory.
In Marquette and surrounding Upper Peninsula communities, skies remain hazy with areas of smoke expected through Friday evening. Calm winds and high pressure are preventing dispersion of pollutants, keeping PM2.5 levels elevated. Brief air quality improvements may occur late Friday in parts of the Lower Peninsula, but those will likely reverse as more smoke plumes move in.
Officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, especially for individuals with heart or lung disease. Residents should close windows at night, use air purifiers or run central AC with MERV-13 filters, and avoid activities like outdoor burning.
Smoke is expected to persist into early Sunday, with possible advisory extensions if conditions worsen.
