Officials extended the statewide air quality alert in Michigan through Saturday, July 18, as wildfire smoke is expected to linger through the weekend.
That said, it is expected to dissipate a bit, which could provide a little relief to Michiganders hoping to spend time outdoors this weekend. Possible thunderstorms on Saturday also could help improve the air quality.
“A passing warm front will put the Lower Peninsula in southwest winds late Friday (July 17) and early Saturday (July 18). That change will allow some improvements, but we will still likely have recirculated smoke from Indiana and Illinois. That thinning of smoke could lead to elevated spikes in ozone levels if enough sun gets through,” Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in its July 17 MiAir forecast.
Forecasters say this week’s smoke episode will likely last through Sunday, July 19. Cooler air arriving Saturday, July 18, may usher in more smoke into the Great Lakes region.
“When the associated cold front passes through later Saturday (July 18), we will be back into northwest winds and more smoke,” EGLE said. “Those fires have not diminished, so we expect more bad Air Quality beginning late Saturday (July 18) and into Sunday (July 19).”
Michigan air quality forecast this weekend
According to the National Weather Service’s air quality forecast, this round of smoke is expected to move out going into Saturday, but a new round could start making its way into the area by Sunday, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
Here’s what to expect going into this weekend.
8 p.m. Friday, July 17 air quality forecast
4 a.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
8 a.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
Noon Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
8 p.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
2 a.m. Sunday, July 19 air quality forecast
Michigan current air quality map
The map below displays the current air quality at monitoring sites in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Air monitoring sites are color-coded based on the pollutant (ozone or particulate matter) with the highest value. Particles that are less than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers in diameter are called PM10 and PM2.5, respectively.
An AQI of 50 or below means the current air quality is good. The shaded areas of the map show the approximate boundaries where air quality is available and listed as anything other than good. The information is updated hourly.
How can I stay updated on air quality in Michigan?
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.
How to protect yourself in bad air quality
Experts urge Michiganders to stay indoors amid unhealthy air quality but, if you must go outside, key practices can limit your exposure to potentially hazardous wildfire smoke:
More tips here.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Is it safe to go outside this weekend? Michigan air quality forecast shows relief
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
