Southeast Michigan is covered in Canadian wildfire smoke for the second consecutive day Friday, July 17, bringing unhealthy conditions to millions of residents.
As the smoke continues flowing over Michigan and metro Detroit, some courts, parks, attractions and other public facilities remain closed Friday, while events scramble to update their plans.
On Thursday, the John Mellencamp concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre was canceled, the Detroit Zoo adjusted its operations and artists and vendors at the Ann Arbor Art Fair adjusted their hours.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises staying indoors with windows closed and air conditioning running amid wildfire smoke. If you have to go outside, limit your time outdoors, avoid strenuous activities and consider wearing an N95 mask.
Here’s what to know going into Friday.
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.
When will the smoke clear in Michigan? What we know Friday
Michiganders can expect another hazy, smoky day on Friday, July 17, although potential isolated thunderstorms could help knock down some of the haze created by Canadian wildfires.
The smoke will linger in the Great Lakes region through the weekend, July 18-19, though some areas may catch a break from the smoke on Saturday, July 18, ahead of a cold front. Thunderstorms forecast for Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, could also help push the smoke out.
“Our best model for smoke only predicts out to 48 hours,” Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said. “That model is currently showing improvements on Saturday (July 18), but it is likely that smoke will linger and recirculate for a while. The National Weather Service mentions the possibility of rain on Saturday (July 18), which would help. The Friday forecast will shed more light on that.”Here’s more from Sarah Moore.
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.
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.
Michigan Planet Fitness locations let community members work out for free
All Michigan Planet Fitness locations are offering free club access Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19.
All community members will be able to visit the locations for free without an obligation to join. Anyone looking to work out can walk in and sign in at the front desk. A waiver is required to workout in the facility, but not a credit card or down payment, a spokesperson told the Free Press Thursday morning.
Here’s more.
What’s closed in metro Detroit Friday due to wildfire smoke
36th District Court
The 36th District Court in Detroit closed early on Thursday and will remain closed Friday, the court announced Thursday.
Felony arraignments will continue as scheduled. All other court proceedings and court services are suspended during the closure.
Individuals with matters affected by the closure will receive additional informationregarding rescheduling, if necessary. Court users are encouraged to monitor the Court’swebsite and official social media channels for updates.
Normal operations are expected to resume Monday.
Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit
The Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan in downtown Detroit is closed to the public as of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and will remain closed Friday, according to a public information officer.
All in-person hearings and proceedings scheduled during the closure will be adjourned and rescheduled. Remote-only proceedings will continue as scheduled. Parties with scheduled court appearances will receive additional information regarding their new court dates.
The court plans to reopen on Monday, July 20 at 8:30 a.m., pending further air quality updates.
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.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan air quality updates: What’s closed Friday due to wildfire smoke
Reporting by Natalie Davies and Sarah Moore, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natalie Davies and Sarah Moore, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
