6 days ago
What is the air quality in Michigan? Advisory in effect because of Canadian wildfires
The air quality in Michigan continues to be evaluated as wildfires in Canada burn. Officials have issued an air quality advisory for counties across the Upper Peninsula.
"Overnight Sunday, a warm front tracks east into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Southwesterly winds will develop, bringing increased fine particulate to the northern portions of Michigan on Monday." according to MiAir division, part of Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
MiAir anticipates levels rising into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range across the U.P. There is a chance hourly levels could reach the "unhealthy" range for a short time.
"As a result, we anticipate fine particulate levels rising into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range across the Upper Peninsula. There is a possibility that hourly levels could reach the Unhealthy (red AQI) range for a short period of time."
The following counties are under an air quality advisory for elevated levels of fine particulate through June 2: Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft.
"24-hour daily average fine particulate concentrations will range between good and moderate, but unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG, Orange AQI) across the Upper Peninsula on Monday," the MiAir division said.
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, diabetes, older adults, children, and people of a lower socioeconomic status, based on the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.
In Canada, there are several priority fires ranging from roughly 9,100 to 306,000 acres in size. As of May 30, there were 77 uncontrolled active fires, according to Natural Resources Canada.
As the smoke continues to carry over, officials forecast the smoke to linger in Michigan.
"Extended models show a boundary moving into the region later Tuesday, lingering through the rest of the week. This boundary will trigger storm development. Air quality levels during this period will continue to be evaluated," the MiAir division said.
Here's more on the Canadian wildfires affecting Michigan:
An advisory is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange air quality index (AQI) threshold.
An alert is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold.
Under an air quality advisory, sensitive groups can avoid adverse health reactions by staying indoors, turning on the air conditioning or wearing a N95 mask, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Michigan residents can check current conditions through EGLE's MiAir Quality Index Dashboard. The interactive map provides AQI scores for cities across the state.
In addition, residents can 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.
The AQI shows the outdoor air quality for public health. It features six color-coded categories, from good (0-50) to hazardous (301 plus).
On the AQI, a good reading (green) means the air is acceptable and residents may enjoy their outdoor activities; moderate (yellow) means the air is acceptable, however it could be harmful for specifically sensitive groups.
More: Bad air days easier to identify and quantify with new EGLE air monitoring dashboard
The AQI takes into account five air pollutants:
ground-level ozone
particle pollution (also known as particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10)
carbon monoxide
sulfur dioxide
nitrogen dioxide
Here are the ratings in the AQI:
According to Natural Resources Canada, the National Wildland Fire Situation Report says there are 77 uncontrolled fires; 25 being held; 47 controlled; and 25 modified response.
"Canada is at National Preparedness Level 5, indicating that there is full commitment of national resources and demand for interagency resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC) is extreme. Since national availability of resources is limited, international resources are being mobilized," the Canadian department said.
The priority fires are located in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta – with Saskatchewan and Manitoba in a provincial state of emergency.
More: It's wildfire season in North America: How to prepare for poor air quality
'Similar to humans, animals are also affected when there are issues with air quality, especially birds, animals with underlying respiratory and heart conditions, and other sensitive populations — such as young or senior animals,' State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said. 'If animals are being negatively affected by breathing poor quality air, they could exhibit various signs of illness, including coughing, wheezing, having difficulties breathing, eye drainage, lethargy, changing the sound of their vocalization, decreased appetite, and thirst. For any concerns related to the health of your animals, please contact your veterinarian.'
To best protect animals from poor air quality, follow these tips:
Keeping animals indoors with doors and windows closed and limiting the amount of time they spend outdoors.
Avoiding strenuous activities/exercise.
Ensuring clean air flow when indoors by using fans, air conditioners, air purifiers, etc.
More: Wildfire smoke can cause health problems, even death
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Canadian wildfires 2025: here's how it is impacting Michigan's air
