Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is expected to linger in parts of Michigan on Monday, July 20 after several days of hazardous air quality late last week, but slow improvement in air quality is expected to continue, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
EGLE had issued an Air Quality Alert for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) for Sunday, July 19 and Monday, July 20.
The wildfire smoke continues as 940 wildfires, including 104 classified as out of control, are burning throughout Canada as of Monday morning, according to the country’s national wildland fire summary.
Here’s what to know about Michigan’s air quality going into Monday.
How to check Michigan air quality today
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.
Monday weather, air quality forecast in Michigan
The weather forecast for Monday, July 20 in Detroit calls for hazy sunshine and a high of 82 degrees.
Monday looks to continue the trend of slow improvement in air quality, according to EGLE. Smoke models are showing decreasing smoke concentrations, though some smoke is expected to linger.
In Detroit, the AQI is 86 as of 8 a.m. Monday, July 20. But air quality is projected to move into the unhealthy for sensitive groups classification later in the day. Similar conditions are expected in Oakland and Macomb counties Monday.
In Grand Rapids, the AQI is 170, classified as unhealthy, as of 8 a.m. Monday.
Up North in Marquette, the AQI is classified as unhealthy at 200 as of 8 a.m. Monday. It is forecast to improve to unhealthy for sensitive groups on Monday.
In Traverse City, the air quality is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups at 146 as of 8 a.m. Monday. It is projected to stay in that category or downgrade to unhealthy for most of the day.
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.
Sarah Moore and Kristi Tanner contributed to this reporting.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan air quality today: See the map and latest weather forecast
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
