Southeast Michigan Faces Air Quality Advisory Due to Canadian Wildfires

News Summary

Residents of Southeast Michigan are under an air quality advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts southward. The advisory, issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, warns sensitive groups, including those with respiratory conditions, to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. As weather conditions cool, the air quality is expected to fluctuate, with predictions for warmer weather in the coming days. Local authorities are urging residents to be vigilant regarding air quality symptoms and to share weather-related photos.

Southeast Michigan is under an Air Quality Advisory as of Friday, May 30, 2025, due to smoke drifting south from wildfires in Canada. The advisory will remain in effect until 6 a.m. on May 31, as announced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The advisory affects numerous counties in the region, including Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Livingston, Washtenaw, Lenawee, Monroe, Genesee, Lapeer, Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, and Shiawassee counties.

Residents in these areas are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially individuals with existing heart or respiratory conditions like asthma. Furthermore, they should be alert to symptoms that may arise from poor air quality, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, and irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes.

Air Quality Conditions

Current conditions indicate potentially unhealthy air quality, particularly for sensitive groups. On Friday, the air quality in Detroit was reported as Moderate around 11 a.m., according to AirNow.gov. Earlier in the day, strong upper-atmospheric winds were observed, pushing the wildfire smoke into Southeast Michigan.

Weather forecasts for the immediate future suggest temperatures in the Metro Detroit area will remain unseasonably cool on Saturday, May 31, with highs only reaching the lower to mid-60s, compared to the average May high of 75 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the mid- to upper-30s in several areas, including Ann Arbor, Howell, Grand Blanc, Lapeer, Bruce Township, and Sandusky. Meanwhile, cities like Monroe, Taylor, Royal Oak, Fraser, and New Baltimore will experience lows in the lower-40s.

Upcoming Weather Forecast

The winds on Saturday are predicted to come from the northwest at speeds of 5 to 10 mph. On Sunday, June 1, warmer temperatures and sunny skies are anticipated, with highs approaching 70 degrees. Night temperatures will remain mostly clear, with lows around 45 degrees in places such as Adrian, Chelsea, Fenton, and Port Huron. In contrast, regions like Dearborn, River Rouge, Ferndale, Warren, and Harper Woods are expected to see lows near 50 degrees.

Monday, June 2, is forecasted to be warm and mostly sunny, with temperatures rising into the lower 80s. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the wildfire smoke could return, causing air quality issues and possibly leading to a vivid red sunset later that evening. High temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday are projected to reach the mid- to upper-80s. Rain is also expected to move in on Wednesday afternoon and evening, accompanied by a cold front.

Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to continue into early Thursday, with additional rain chances on Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.

Residents are also encouraged to share weather-related pictures through Local 4’s MIPics, potentially allowing for their photos to be featured.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Detroit Honors Dr. Jo-Ann Waiting Terry’s Legacy
Repairs Completed on Detroit Water Main Break, Ongoing Challenges for Residents

Additional Resources

• Detroit Free Press: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Alert
• Google Search: Michigan wildfire smoke air quality advisory
• MLive: Air Quality Advisory for Michigan
• Wikipedia: Air Quality
• Fox 2 Detroit: Canada Wildfires Air Quality Advisory
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
• CBS News: Michigan Air Quality Advisory
• Google News: Canadian wildfire impact Michigan
• Click on Detroit: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Impact
• Google Scholar: Air Quality Advisory Michigan