Sept. 17, 2024
Moderate air quality persists in Metro Detroit amid warm, dry weather
Southeast Michigan will see a continuation of last week’s unseasonably warm and dry weather, with “summer-like” temperatures persisting through the week. High pressure to the east will maintain light east/southeast winds, preventing significant increases in pollution. While wildfire smoke is present at upper levels, no ground-level impacts are expected. Air quality will stay in the upper Good to middle Moderate range.
Later in the week, cloud cover may increase, and temperatures may cool slightly depending on the track of a storm system moving inland from the Carolinas, though it is expected to stay south and east of Michigan. Warm and dry conditions, along with moderate air quality, are expected to continue into the extended forecast.
More info at airnow.gov.
Map of Wildfire Smoke
Live Map of Local Air Quality sensors from JustAir
- 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.
Sept. 13, 2024
Wildfire smoke lingers as southeast Michigan heats up
Southeast Michigan is experiencing warm, dry weather with surface temperatures in the 80s, thanks to a persistent high-pressure system. This pattern will continue through the weekend and into next week, bringing predominantly clear skies and mild SSE winds. While remnants of Hurricane Francine may cause some upper-level cloud cover, no rain is expected due to the strength of the high-pressure system.
Air quality will remain moderate, with PM-2.5 concentrations from wildfire smoke lingering in the upper atmosphere, creating hazy skies and vibrant sunsets. Ozone levels may build in populated areas but should remain in the moderate range without exceeding unhealthy thresholds. Expect similar conditions into next week, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s.
Sept. 9, 2024
Metro Detroit air quality to remain moderate as smoke lingers this week
Metro Detroit will experience warmer temperatures this week, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper 80s due to a strong high-pressure system. Both smoke and weather conditions will influence air quality. PM2.5 levels will remain in the “Moderate” range, with most concentrations being on the lower end. Ozone levels will also be in the “Moderate” to “upper-Moderate” range, influenced by ample sunlight, southerly winds, and temperatures. However, factors like lower sunlight intensity in mid-September, earlier sunsets, and reduced sunlight from upper-level smoke are expected to prevent the development of unhealthy (USG) ozone levels.
More info at airnow.gov.
Sept. 5, 2024
Air quality expected to drop to Moderate by Thursday, improves with Friday’s cold front
Warm and dry weather will continue through Thursday, with daytime highs gradually climbing into the mid-80s. Clear skies will bring chilly overnight temperatures, but mornings will warm quickly under the sun. Air quality will start in the Good range early in the week but may degrade to Moderate by Thursday, with no advisory expected at this time. A strong cold front will arrive Friday morning, bringing daytime highs down to the 60s and lows in the 40s over the weekend, with rain likely on Saturday and clearing by Sunday. Air quality will improve to Good following the front. No ground-level smoke from western wildfires is anticipated, though smoke high in the atmosphere is possible.
Extended outlook: Air quality should remain Good into the following workweek.
More info at airnow.gov.
July 29, 2024
Good to moderate air quality this week, colorful sunsets continue
Southeast Michigan will see dew point temperatures will rise into the upper 60s, bringing heat, humidity, and pop-up showers or thunderstorms throughout the week. A low-pressure system on Tuesday and another later in the week will trigger more showers and storms, while a weak high-pressure system on Wednesday might still allow for some pop-up showers. Air quality will generally be Good to Moderate, with cleaner air brought in by shifting winds. Wildfire smoke from the west may cause milky skies and colorful sunrises and sunsets, but it won’t impact surface air quality. The weekend will continue with temperatures in the 80s and high humidity, with air quality remaining in the Good to Moderate range.
More info at airnow.gov.
July 26, 2024
No surface smoke expected in Metro Detroit, expect colorful sunsets form high-altitude plumes
Friday & Saturday: Mostly clear skies with highs in the low to mid-80s. Comfortable dew points in the high 50s. Air Quality is mostly Good.
Sunday & Monday: Warmer with higher humidity. Showers possible on Monday. Air Quality ranges from Good to Moderate.
Wildfire Smoke: No surface smoke expected from wildfires out west. Elevated smoke may affect northern areas, leading to colorful sunrises and sunsets but not impacting ground-level air quality.
Updated by Jim Haywood: Friday, July 26, 2024. Next update: Monday, July 29, 2024 More info at airnow.gov.
July 22, 2024
Wildfire smoke may bring colorful sunrises and sunsets, little air quality problems
The first half of the week in Southeast Michigan will be a bit unsettled, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday. No severe weather is expected, and air quality will range from Good to Moderate. On Wednesday, a cold front will bring widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms, with rainfall up to 1.5 inches and mostly Good air quality. By Thursday, the weather will improve significantly, with cooler temperatures in the mid/upper 70s to 80 degrees, and high pressure ensuring dry and pleasant conditions through the weekend. Wildfire smoke from the Plains is not expected to impact surface air quality in Michigan, although it may enhance the colors of sunrises and sunsets. More info at airnow.gov.
July 17, 2024
Cooler temps bring moderate air quality
For the week of July 15 to July 19, 2024, in Southeast Michigan and metro Detroit, expect generally good air quality with a few moderate ozone levels on Monday and Tuesday. There may be some moderate PM-2.5 levels as well. A round of storms is expected at the beginning of the week, followed by cooler and dryer conditions by Wednesday through the rest of the week. Ozone levels are expected to remain mostly good past mid-week. There may be an increase in PM2.5 due to wildfires in Canada, especially in the Upper Peninsula, but it’s not expected to significantly impact ground-level PM2.5 levels. Dry conditions are expected to continue into the coming weekend, and air quality conditions are not expected to exceed the moderate range. More info at airnow.gov.
July 12, 2024
Air quality advisory issued for Metro Detroit for ozone
An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for metro Detroit and surrounding counties due to expected high ozone concentrations, driven by a combination of clear skies, warm temperatures, and light winds. Pop-up showers are anticipated throughout today and tomorrow, with a high-pressure system bringing mostly clear skies and warm temperatures over the weekend. The advisory highlights the potential for stagnant air in the metro Detroit area, emphasizing the need for residents to be aware of air quality conditions. More info at airnow.gov.
July 11, 2024
Particulate matter moderate this week
After the remnants of Hurricane Beryl brought significant rainfall, a high-pressure system will bring sunny weather to metro Detroit starting today and into the weekend. Temperatures and humidity will rise, causing heat indexes to reach the 90s, while PM-2.5 levels remain moderate due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Ozone levels are expected to increase due to the high-pressure system and shifting winds, potentially affecting metro Detroit and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
July 5, 2024
Fireworks drive unhealthy air quality following 4th of July fireworks
Why is Detroit air quality bad today? Metro Detroit experienced extremely poor air quality this morning due to pollution from last night’s fireworks and stagnant weather. PM 2.5 levels spiked to 579, far exceeding the Air Quality Index (AQI) limit of 500, indicating hazardous conditions for all individuals. Although air quality improved slightly by late morning, PM 2.5 levels remained “unhealthy.” The situation is expected to improve with increasing wind and rain, but the AQI may still stay above 100, particularly affecting sensitive groups. Residents are advised to stay indoors and monitor air quality through airnow.gov or other local air monitoring apps.
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.
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.
