State officials have issued a statewide air quality alert for Wednesday, July 15, because of increased levels of fine particulates from wildfire smoke billowing from blazes in Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota.
As of July 14, there are 800 active wildfires scattered across Canada, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, with several in Ontario, CAN, mainly in the southwest and southeast regions of the providence.
“Plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires are expected to move into the region this week. The plumes will reach the Upper Peninsula this evening (July 14), sinking into the northern Lower Peninsula overnight. Models are showing the smoke plumes will reach the Michigan/Indiana border Wednesday evening (July 15), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said on July 14.
Officials have issued a statewide air quality alert for Michigan for Wednesday, July 15, due to elevated fine particulate “PM2.5,” readings on the air quality index due to the smoke.
Air quality readings are forecast to be especially unhealthy in the Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, July 15, according to AirNow.
“In terms of wildfire smoke, we have been fortunate so far in 2026. Unfortunately, our luck has run out as the fires north of the Minnesota arrowhead have rapidly expanded, overnight, and satellite imagery shows large areas of smoke headed our way,” EGLE said on its website.
“Tuesday should stay hazy, but relatively smoke free, as the current thick smoke plume is skirting north of Lake Superior. Winds will shift and smoke will start pushing south. The Upper Peninsula will be impacted first, starting around midnight and pushing south in the northern Lower Peninsula overnight. Current models are showing that the dense smoke could reach the Michigan/Indiana border late in the day,” EGLE said.
Residents are urged to take safety precautions to protect their health, especially people with pre-existing health issues, children and seniors.
“It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the nose, throat and eyes,” EGLE said. “You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as outdoor burning or use of residential wood burning devices.”
More on air quality in Michigan:
What does PM2.5 mean on the air quality index?
On the AQI, particulate matter readings, labeled “PM2.5,” range from 0-301 or higher, and measure the fine particulate matter in the air, such as smoke, dust, soot or dirt.
The “2.5” figure means particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, according to the EPA — that is 30 times smaller than the average human hair, which is about 70 micrometers in diameter.
How can I check the air quality in my area?
Michigan residents can check current conditions through EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard. The interactive map provides AQI scores for cities across the state.
Residents can also use AirNow, a part of the U.S. Air Quality Index, and check local conditions by searching their ZIP Code or city. AccuWeather also has an AQI feature that lists the current pollutants in the air.
In addition, Michigan’s HHS Department has a Facebook and X account. The department allows residents to subscribe to alerts through the EnviroFlash system.
What is an air quality alert?
Air quality alerts are issued when elevated levels of pollutants in the air make it unsafe to be outside.
Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the National Weather Service. Wildfire smoke particles are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.
What the AQI Index means
Where is there an air quality alert? Current weather alerts in Michigan
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: We’ve been lucky so far, but wildfire smoke is returning to Michigan
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
