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The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued an air quality alert for Sunday, July 19, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke.
Concentrations will range from USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups) across the lower peninsula to unhealthy in the Upper Peninsula.
It is a statewide air quality alert.
Smoke improved across the southern portion of Michigan early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids. However, another plume tracked through the state Saturday, lasting into Sunday.
“With smoke lingering across the state, ozone also has the potential to increase quickly,” states NWS.
It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.
You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as outdoor burning and use of residential wood burning devices.
Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters.
For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan, visit the Michigan.gov/MiAir
NWS issued a special weather statement due to areas of dense fog/smoke Sunday morning.
“Visibilities below one mile with scattered visibilities below one-quarter mile are expected. Visibilities at or below one-quarter mile have been reported at several observing sites across lower Michigan. Exercise caution while driving and be prepared for variable visibilities.”
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