Officials extended the statewide air quality alert in Michigan through Saturday, July 18, as wildfire smoke is expected to linger through the weekend.
That said, it is expected to dissipate a bit, which could provide a little relief to Michiganders hoping to spend time outdoors this weekend. Possible thunderstorms on Saturday also could help improve the air quality.
“A passing warm front will put the Lower Peninsula in southwest winds late Friday (July 17) 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).”
Michigan air quality forecast this weekend
According to the National Weather Service’s air quality forecast, this round of smoke is expected to move out going into Saturday, but a new round could start making its way into the area by Sunday, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
Here’s what to expect going into this weekend.
8 p.m. Friday, July 17 air quality forecast
4 a.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
8 a.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
Noon Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
8 p.m. Saturday, July 18 air quality forecast
2 a.m. Sunday, July 19 air quality forecast
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.
