Persistent poor air quality expected in Southeast Michigan until Sunday
Southeast Michigan is currently experiencing unhealthy air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), pollutants across the state are expected to remain in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (USG, Orange AQI) range through Saturday, with some locations reaching the "Unhealthy" (Red AQI) range.
The smoke began to affect the region late Tuesday, as winds from the North and Northwest ushered it in. On Thursday, early morning rain and low clouds helped to trap the smoke in the lower levels of the atmosphere. This situation has led to Detroit's air quality being among the 25 worst in the world on Friday.
The PurpleAir Map, a tool available for community scientists to monitor air quality, is specific to Southeast Michigan. This map can provide valuable information about the air quality in your local area.
To protect themselves from the smoke, residents have been advised to keep windows closed overnight and avoid outdoor burning. Individuals with respiratory issues or breathing troubles have been advised to minimize outdoor activities through Friday.
When the air quality index approaches or is in the "Unhealthy" range, even healthy people may be affected. The current health guidelines advise limiting prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, especially for people with lung conditions, children, older adults, and outdoor workers.
Sensitive individuals are recommended to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep windows closed to prevent smoke ingress, use central air conditioners with high-efficiency filters if available, wear an N95 or KN95 mask outdoors for added protection when necessary, and monitor symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the nose, throat, and eyes. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
The air quality advisories are in effect for all of Southeast Michigan until at least Sunday. The Michigan News Detroit NEXT Weather futurecast shows increasing smoke on Saturday afternoon, with a chance for more smoke to move in on Saturday afternoon.
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your health during this period of unhealthy air quality. For more information, visit the PurpleAir Map or consult your local health department.
[1] Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). (2025). Air Quality Advisory for Southeast Michigan. [online] Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-33130_33176---,00.html
[2] Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). (2025). Wildfire Smoke Health Advisory. [online] Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71554_71556-51964--,00.html
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Wildfire Smoke and Your Health. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.html
- The current air quality advisory in Southeast Michigan, released by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), warns that pollutants will remain in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range through Saturday, with some locations reaching the "Unhealthy" range.
- To combat the effects of wildfire smoke on health, health guidelines advise individuals to protect themselves by keeping windows closed overnight, avoiding outdoor burning, and wearing an N95 or KN95 mask outdoors for added protection when necessary.
- During periods of unhealthy air quality, such as the current situation in Southeast Michigan, it is essential to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and visit resources like the PurpleAir Map or local health departments for guidance on how to protect one's health.
