Michigan Air Quality Alert Issued As Wildfire Smoke Moves Across State

If you looked outside this morning and thought something seemed a little off, you're not imagining it.

Why Michigan's Sky Looks So Hazy This Week

Wildfire smoke is making another trip into Michigan, and over the next couple of days it's expected to leave much of the state looking hazy while sending air quality in the wrong direction.

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The strange part is that it comes with a bit of a tradeoff. The smoke will likely give us some really colorful sunrises and sunsets, but that's because it's filling the atmosphere with tiny particles that aren't exactly great to breathe.

Who Should Be Concerned About The Air Quality

State officials have already issued an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, July 15. MLive reports that smoke from massive wildfires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota is expected to spread across the Great Lakes and eventually cover much of Michigan.

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According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the biggest concern is for people with asthma or other breathing problems, along with older adults and young children. Those groups are being encouraged to limit time outdoors if the air starts looking especially smoky.

When The Wildfire Smoke Will Move Across Michigan

Forecasters expect the smoke to first move into the Upper Peninsula before drifting south through the northern Lower Peninsula and eventually reaching the Michigan-Indiana border by Wednesday evening.

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So if the sky looks a little milky, or your allergies seem worse than usual, the wildfire smoke is probably to blame. Hopefully it doesn't stick around too long, but for now, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on the air quality before heading outside.