Cities across southeast Michigan woke up to hazy skies and scents of burning wood lingering in the air on Thursday, July 16, as wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota made its way across the state the previous 24 hours.
As of Thursday morning, the U.S. Air Quality Index registered readings above 800, reflecting hazardous, unhealthy air quality in metro Detroit. In Detroit, the AQI is at 460, with the website IQAir ranking it among the world’s worst major cities for air quality today.
Because of this, some metro Detroit businesses and attractions are closing for the day on Thursday. City pools are closing in many suburbs, and some businesses with outdoor shopping and attractions are pausing operations for the day.
Here are the latest updates.
How to check Michigan air quality
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.
Can’t see the map below? Tap here.
Air quality alert extended into Friday
A statewide air quality alert in Michigan has been extended through Friday, July 17, as officials expect Canadian wildfire smoke to linger at least another day before moving out of the Great Lakes region.
Thunderstorms are possible on Friday afternoon and evening, July 17, and Saturday afternoon, July 18, as a cold front moves through, which could help push the smoke out, Grand Rapids NWS senior meteorologist Nathan Jeruzal. Storms are also possible in northern Minnesota and Canada, which could help extinguish wildfires and reduce the the billowing smoke being carried south and east.Here’s more from Sarah Moore.
Is it safe for my pets to be outside?
As wildfire smoke engulfs Michigan, officials are urging residents to limit outdoor time as much as possible — and the same advice goes for your beloved pets.
“As irritating as smoke can be to people, it can cause health problems for animals as well. Smoke from wildfires and other large blazes affects pets, horses, livestock and wildlife. If you can see or feel the effects of smoke yourself, you also should take precautions to keep your animals — both pets and livestock — safe,” the American Veterinary Medical Association said.
Here’s more.
Metro Detroit’s air quality among world’s worst
Metro Detroit is facing some of the world’s worst air quality Thursday morning. Among the major cities worldwide with poor air quality today, Detroit tops the list and several are in the U.S.
Potential trash pick up delays due to wildfire smoke
Michigan municipalities that use Priority Waste may experience trash and recycling collection delays due to the poor air quality.
If trash, recycling or yard waste is not picked up Thursday, residents should leave items on the curb for when collection on Friday, July 17, according to an alert on the Priority Waste website Thursday morning.
What’s closed in metro Detroit Thursday due to wildfire smoke
From Greenfield Village to the Detroit Riverwalk, here’s a running list of what’s closed today and other updates on the wildfire smoke.
Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour closed
Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour in Dearborn are closed Thursday, according to The Henry Ford.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Giant Screen Experience will remain open.
Dearborn city pools closed
All pools, including the indoor pool at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center are closed in Dearborn, according to Dearborn Parks and Recreation.
Detroit Riverwalk food service closed
The Cullen Family Carousel and all cafes and food service at Detroit Riverfront Conservancy parks are closed, according to the conservancy.
All scheduled Riverfront Conservancy programs are canceled for July 16.
Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores closed
The Ford House and the Continental restaurant in Grosse Pointe Shores are closed.
Guests with tickets or reservations will be contacted directly by the visitor experience team, according to Ford House.
Willow Greenhouse in Northville closed
Willow Greenhouse in Northville is closed, and its Thursday workshops are canceled, according to its Facebook. People who signed up for workshops will be offered a refund.
The business plans to reopen for regular hours Friday, July 17.
Independence Township beaches
Deer Lake Beach, Bay Court Beach and the Spray Park at Clintonwood Park are closed, according to Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors.
Boyne Mountain Resort
Outdoor attractions at Boyne Mountain Resort are closed until at least 2 p.m., according to the resort’s Facebook page. Closed attractions include SkyBridge Michigan, Eagle’s Nest, Scenic Lift, and Deer Lake activities.
Golf is open with limited services. The Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park remains open.
Huntington Woods pool
The Huntington Woods city pool is closed. Field trips and senior trips will be rescheduled.
Romulus Athletic Center splash pad
The splash pad at the Romulus Athletic Center is closed. The indoor facility remains open.
Grosse Pointe Park pool closed
The pool is closed for the day, according to Grosse Pointe Park. Swim team activities, swim lessons, tennis lessons, adult volleyball through Grosse Pointe Parks and Recreation are canceled. The Knapsackers Day Camp will be held indoors at the Lavins Activity Center.
Royal Oak outdoor activities
The Normandy Oaks splash pad is closed, according to Royal Oak City Hall. The Thursday concert at the Centennial Commons is canceled, as well as all outdoor programming.
Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights
The Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights is closed, and morning and afternoon sessions of River Walk are canceled, according to the waterpark.
Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market
The Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market is closed.
Sarah Moore and Kristi Tanner contributed.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan air quality live updates: Wildfire smoke forcing multiple closures
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
