Smoke from wildfires in Canada is once again causing poor air quality this week in portions of Michigan.
There are several different levels within alerts, including "unhealthy for sensitive groups," which covers people with asthma and other breathing issues. Some Michigan communities have also hit the "unhealthy" level, which covers a broader category of people.
According to Natural Resources Canada, higher than normal temperatures are expected for the remainder of the summer. Drought is expected to increase by mid-July and August, creating weather conditions that elevate fire risk. Wildfire activity is predicted to increase in late summer.
We've gathered some of our past coverage about the Canadian wildfires and how to keep yourself and your family safe when the air quality is bad.
Canadians forecasting a severe wildfire season: here’s what that might mean for Michigan
The Canadian government says it expects another severe wildfire season. In the 2025 Wildfire Season Forecast, Public Safety Canada said there were 225 fires were blazing in Canada, many of them out of control. The fires are damaging infrastructure, communities, and natural habitats. Due to public safety risks, 27,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Richard Carr is a Wildfire and Research Analyst with the Canadian Forest Service. He said that long term drought and high winds have been occurring in parts of Canada since 2022. | Read more.
A Michigan pulmonologist shares tips for keeping your lungs safe when air quality is poor
There are several different levels within alerts, including "unhealthy for sensitive groups," which covers people with asthma and other breathing issues. Some Michigan communities have also hit the "unhealthy" level, which covers a broader category of people. What should you do to keep yourself and your family safe when the air quality is bad? For advice, Michigan Radio turned to Dr. Lawrence MacDonald, the chief of pulmonary medicine for Detroit Medical Center Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township. | Listen here.
Stateside Podcast: Bad air day
We spoke with Sara Adar, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, about air quality in the state. We’ve made a list of everything you need to know about air quality in Michigan, its effects, and what you should do if you get a bad air quality notification. | Read more.
How to stay informed about air quality in Michigan
We put together a list of links to get the most up to date air quality information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). There are also tips below from EGLE about what you can do to protect yourself or vulnerable people in your care. | Read more.
How safe is my air quality? Understanding Detroit pollution problems (Planet Detroit)
Despite nearly 70 years of legislation in our country and abroad, however, WHO estimates at least 91 percent of the world’s population live in areas where air pollution levels exceed its guidelines. Planet Detroit put together the following guide to help readers understand why people in our area are disproportionately affected by air pollution, how climate change will affect our air quality, and what actions can help effect change. | Read more.
We'll continue to keep you up-to-date on the latest news about air quality in Michigan.
