June 20, 2024
Ozone levels are unhealthy
An Air Quality Advisory continues in southeast Michigan due to hot, muggy weather and stagnant air conditions. The advisory, driven by shifting winds and a stationary front, is expected to persist through Friday. Elevated ozone levels near unhealthy standards will remain, but PM 2.5 concentrations will remain moderate.
Current Detroit air quality map:
- Location: Detroit, MI Current Air Quality: 10/14/24 11:00 AM EDT Good – 23 AQI – Ozone Good – 16 AQI – Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Good – 5 AQI – Particle Pollution (10 microns) Agency: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Last Update: Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:45:02 EST
- Location: Detroit, MI Forecast: Today, 10/14/2024: Good – Ozone Tomorrow, 10/15/2024: Good – Ozone Wednesday, 10/16/2024: Good – Ozone Thursday, 10/17/2024: Good – Ozone Friday, 10/18/2024: Good – Ozone Agency: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Last Update: Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:45:04 EST
- There are currently no Air Quality Advisory alerts for Detroit, MI Last Update: Sun, 13 Oct 2024 11:15:03 EST
- Stay up-to-date of air quality conditions at AirNow.gov, Enviroflash and JustAir
- Stay indoors with air conditioner and/or air filters running. If it is too hot to stay indoors, seek shelter elsewhere.
- Minimize time spent outdoors. If you must be outdoors, wear an appropriate mask. Avoid exercise outdoors.
- Learn more at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s website.
June 19, 2024
Air Quality Advisory likely for Thursday
An Air Quality Advisory is in effect for southeast Michigan as conditions are expected to deteriorate due to high temperatures and stagnant air. Although cloud cover will persist in parts of Michigan today, the clearing along the Lake Michigan shoreline will lead to the development of high ozone levels. In the southeast, the air is expected to remain still, exacerbating air quality as temperatures soar into the 90s and humidity intensifies. This combination is also conducive to sporadic rain and thunderstorms throughout the week.
For Thursday, shifting winds associated with a passing low-pressure system will briefly affect the region, though they are not expected to significantly alleviate the ozone levels in southeast Michigan. Due to these persistent conditions, another air quality advisory may be required. The heat will slightly decrease by Friday, but temperatures will continue to challenge the upper 80s, with potential storms as the weekend approaches.
Residents are urged to reduce outdoor activities, especially using gas-powered engines, and to consider alternatives such as biking or telecommuting. Additional information and ongoing updates on air quality are available through the Michigan government’s air quality website. Source: Airnow.gov
June 17, 2024
Poor air quality, heat and ozone this week
Rising Temperatures and Humidity: Expect temperatures in the 90s and high humidity this week, making it feel very uncomfortable.
Air Quality: Due to hot southwest winds, air quality will be poor. An advisory is in place for Sunday and will extend to West and Southeast Michigan on Monday.
Precautions:
- Stay hydrated.
- Stay in air-conditioned places.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Check on relatives and neighbors.
- Detroiters can utilize city cooling centers and branch libraries during business hours to beat the heat.
- Stay safe out there!
June 14, 2024
Good air quality for the weekend; ozone may spike with heat next week
Friday & Saturday: High pressure will bring cooler, drier weather with good AQI throughout the state.
Sunday: Expect a warmup with southeast winds shifting to southwest, increasing dew points, and temperatures reaching the upper 80s. AQI starts clean but will rise to Moderate levels due to these conditions.
Monday: Persistent southwest winds, higher dew points, hotter temperatures, and potential for plenty of sun. Elevated ozone levels are a concern for the upcoming work week.
June 3, 2024
Ozone on the rise
From Monday, June 3, 2024, through Friday, June 7, 2024, ozone concentrations will range from Good (Green AQI) to Moderate (Yellow AQI), with some southeastern locations possibly reaching the low-end Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) early in the week. PM2.5 levels are expected to be primarily in the Good to low Moderate range, with brief increases to the Moderate range during periods of higher humidity and fog, especially until Wednesday, after which levels should remain Good.
May 29, 2024
In 2023, Canadian wildfires were deadly for Michiganders
A year later, the repercussions of the smoke on Michiganders is now better understood. A Cornell University study estimates the smoke caused more than 100 deaths across the state. Residents endured headaches, breathing difficulties and eye irritation as smoke engulfed Detroit, exacerbating health conditions and overwhelming hospitals.
Jennifer Fassbender, a cancer survivor grappling with multiple health issues, felt the suffocating impact of the smoke firsthand. She, along with many others who spoke to Planet Detroit and Climate Central, faced challenges accessing healthcare resources amid the crisis. Gerdella Moody, though not asthmatic, also struggled to breathe.
Smoke can have lingering effects, especially for vulnerable populations. Physicians reported a surge in respiratory cases during and after the smoke events, straining healthcare systems already grappling with the pandemic’s aftermath. Grassroots organizations like the Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Environments faced setbacks in their community outreach efforts.
Read the full story from Planet Detroit and Climate Central.
May 23, 2024
Clear air for the weekend
Canadian wildfire smoke has cleared the area for now, and air quality should be in the “Good” range throughout the holiday weekend, according to state forecasters.
May 18, 2024
Air quality action day called for ozone
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy called an air quality action day for ozone on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The 24-hour average for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) will be between the upper Good and Moderate range.
Weak weather systems on Friday and early Sunday won’t change the air quality much, so PM2.5 levels will stay in the upper Good to low Moderate range this weekend. Warmer temperatures and light winds will create conditions that could increase ozone levels, especially along the West Michigan lakeshore and in southeast areas. It’s best to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you have respiratory issues like asthma.
May 15, 2024
Canadian wildfire smoke impacts Michigan and Midwest, driving moderate air quality in Detroit
Smoke from Canadian wildfires arrived in Michigan and the Midwest this week, driving air quality into the Moderate range in Detroit on Tuesday and Wednesday. Areas of moderate smoke covered portions of north-central Canada, the north-central U.S. and the northeastern United States. Air quality alerts were prompted in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota this week. A cold front and cooler temperatures are expected to keep particulate matter low or moderate in the Detroit region through the latter part of the week.
