Here We Smoke Again: Canadian Wildfires Affecting Air Quality in Michigan

Almost exactly one year after many states in the US saw decreased air quality due to Canadian Wildfire smoke, Michigan's air quality is again being compromised.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Across the Great Lakes

According to the National Weather Service, smoke from the Canadian wildfires is continuing to spread, now reaching much of the Great Lakes Region.

"The smoke may dim the sun and create colorful sunrises and sunsets. Where smoke is the thickest and reaching the surface, reduced visibilities, and a campfire smell may be evident at times. The smoke will also create air quality issues at times, mainly for sensitive groups. See the links below for more information."

Wildfire Smoke Reaches Into Michigan

Smoke from British Columbia and Alberta, Canada has prompted health warnings across the Upper Midwest. Hazy conditions were being reported in parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin on Sunday (5/12) and Michigan's Upper Peninsula was under hazy conditions as of Monday (5/13).

The National Weather Service reports that some residents in Michigan's Upper Peninsula have reported the smell of smoke.

As of yesterday (5/14) some smoke from the wildfires was reported in West Michigan. The graphic below from WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids shows where smoke was detected, with the lighter shades of gray indicating the presence of wildfire smoke.

The timeline for when other areas of Michigan will see reduced air quality depends on various factors such as wind patterns, the intensity of the fires, and atmospheric conditions.