This story has been updated with the latest air quality forecast.
Officials extended the statewide air quality alert in Michigan through Saturday, July 18, as wildfire smoke is expected to linger through the weekend.
“Friday (July 17) could follow closely with similar numbers, but a passing warm front will put the Lower Peninsula in southwest winds late Friday 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).”
Smoke from active wildfires in Ontario, Canada, and northern Minnesota has covered most of Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas since late Wednesday, July 15.
“The Saturday (July 18) forecast will shed more light on what to expect for Sunday (July 19),” EGLE said.
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, July 17, the air quality remains in the “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” ranges of AirNow’s air quality index. The high levels of fine particulate matter (“PM2.5”) could impact everyone, experts say.
EGLE issued an statewide Air Quality Alert for Friday and Saturday for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5).
“Smoke is once again reducing visibilities. All of West Michigan may see visibilities below 1 mile at times, and areas east of US-131 and north of I-96 may see visibility below 1/4 mile. through mid morning Allow for extra commute time this morning,” Grand Rapids National Weather Service said on July 17 on X.
Smoke that moved into Michigan this week is considered to be worst seen in the state.
“Observed smoke concentrations are unprecedented and far exceed the smoke events of 2023 and 2025. This can be blamed on the nearness of the fires (north of the Minnesota arrowhead region) and the shear number and size of fires in that area. A front dropped through the region on Wednesday (July 15) trapping and dragging that smoke southward to complete the picture,” according to EGLE.
While Michigan continues to experience smoke and haze, residents are urged to limit their outdoor time as much as possible, keep windows closed, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters and avoid any wood burning.
For those who have to head outdoors, monitor for symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat and eyes.
Here’s more on current conditions in Michigan:
How bad is the air quality in Michigan right now? Statewide 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.
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.
Air quality index: Who belongs to a ‘sensitive group’?
“Sensitive groups” identify people who may be more at risk for breathing in polluted air than others.
According to the EPA, people who have respiratory problems (like asthma), heart or lung disease, diabetes, are a senior or child, or of a lower socioeconomic status are all considered within a sensitive group.
In addition, outdoor workers and pregnant people are within the sensitive groups based on Michigan’s Health and Human Services Department.
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.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When will the smoke clear in Michigan? See the latest forecast
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
