Air Quality Advisory issued for all of Michigan; unhealthy Canadian smoke expected

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) across the state of Michigan. Pollutants across the state are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range today into Saturday morning.

The reason for the Air Quality Advisory is Canadian wildfire smoke. A large plume of wildfire smoke from fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is moving southeast, heading through Michigan.

The smoke is in the sky of northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula now. The upper-air flow is straight out of the north so the smoke should make it into southern Lower Michigan this afternoon.

PM2.5 means Particulate Matter that is 2.5 microns wide or smaller. These are very fine particles of smoke and soot. The fine particles can be inhaled and travel deep into our lungs. The amount of smoke and PM2.5 will mean the air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG).

EGLE is warning those sensitive to the pollutants to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.

The Air Quality Advisory ends at 6 a.m. Saturday. If the smoke continues Saturday the advisory may need to be extended.

The smoke plume is going to be close to Michigan at least through the weekend. As the upper-air changes to a warmer westerly flow the smoke will probably blow back into Michigan.