MARQUETTE, MI— Smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to blanket the Upper Peninsula, producing a sepia haze and ash fall across the region.
Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index score recorded in Negaunee Township was 569, or Hazardous. The lowest threshold for a Hazardous score is 300.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, "A statewide Air Quality Alert remains in place, along with heat advisories for Thursday as Canadian wildfires, north of the Minnesota arrowhead continue to burn, out of control, and are spreading. A review of the Thursday morning monitor readings is showing AQI impacts ranging from Very Unhealthy to Hazardous throughout the state. Unfortunately, those conditions will persist throughout Thursday and into Friday.
"Observed smoke concentrations are unprecedented and far exceed the smoke events of 2023 and 2025. This can be blamed on the nearness of the fires (north of the Minnesota arrowhead region) and the sheer number and size of fires in that area. A front dropped through the region on Wednesday, trapping and dragging that smoke southward to complete the picture.
"The big question is how long will this last. Indications are that Friday will likely be a repeat of Thursday. As such, we will be keeping the forecast for Hazardous in the Upper Peninsula and Very Unhealthy in the Lower Peninsula.
"Our best model for smoke only predicts out to 48 hours. That model is currently showing improvements on Saturday, but it is likely that smoke will linger and recirculate for a while. The National Weather Service mentions the possibility of rain on Saturday, which would help. The Friday forecast will shed more light on that.
"In the meantime, is recommended to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as outdoor burning. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters."
EGLE says in addition to pollutants like fine particulate matter carried in the smoke, there are gasses containing the chemicals that, when combined with sunlight, form ground-level ozone. These chemical reactions contribute to elevated ozone levels seen in areas across Michigan.
Ground-level ozone is a highly reactive gas that acts like a sunburn on your lungs. It inflames airways, causing coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. Exposure severely aggravates asthma, increases respiratory infections, and reduces lung function, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
To check the current air quality in your area, click here.
