...Air Quality Alert Sunday July 13th through Monday July 14th... The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) for Sunday July 13th through Monday July 14th. Pollutants across the state are expected to reach the Unhealthy (Red AQI) to USG (Orange AQI) range in northern locations, with ranges of USG to Moderate further south. The Air Quality Alert Sunday and Monday is statewide. Wildfire smoke from Canada continues to push into Michigan on Sunday, with additional plumes expected Monday. Increased fine particulate levels due to smoke are being seen Sunday morning across the Upper Peninsula into the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula. The smoke will continue tracking east and south, expanding across the rest of the state as Sunday progresses, and additional plumes are forecast to move in on Monday. The highest fine particulate concentrations will be seen in northern areas with periods of Unhealthy AQI possible. Central locations could see readings ranging from Unhealthy to USG, and southern locations can expect levels of fine particulate in the USG to Moderate range. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as: outdoor burning; use of residential wood burning devices. Tips for households: 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 further information, please see EPA's Air Now site for up to date air quality data at https://www.airnow.gov
