Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Is Making Michigan’s Air Quality Worse This Week

If the hazy sunrises and extra-vibrant sunsets have caught your eye lately, you’re not imagining things. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is drifting into Michigan once again, bringing both eerie skies and poor air quality to much of the state, including here in West Michigan.

The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert through midnight, warning that smoke will continue to affect visibility and respiratory health. On top of that, temperatures are climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s today and Tuesday, with humidity making it feel even hotter.

While the skies may look beautiful and eerie, experts say the air isn’t exactly safe to breathe, especially for young children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

The good news? Relief may come midweek with the chance of rain and thunderstorms, which could help clear out some of the smoke.

How to Protect Yourself During Poor Air Quality Alerts:

If you do need to be outside while the air quality is poor, here are a few simple tips to protect your health:

•  Limit outdoor activity, especially during peak afternoon hours.
•  Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoky air from getting inside.
• Use air conditioning if you have it, and set it to recirculate.
•  Wear a mask, like an N95, if you need to be outside for long periods of time.
• Check air quality levels before heading out using apps like AirNow or your local weather source.

We’re used to a little lake breeze this time of year, but this kind of haze is a reminder to keep your lungs in mind while enjoying summer here in Michigan.