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Detroit Air Worst in World Amidst Wildfire Smoke
16 Jul
Summary
- Detroit experienced the world's worst air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
- An air quality alert covered all of Michigan through Friday.
- A cold front expected to clear smoke and improve air by the weekend.
Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota significantly impacted air quality across Southeast Michigan on Thursday, leading to a "hazardous" range in Detroit. The city registered as having the worst air quality globally, according to IQAir data. All of Michigan remained under an air quality alert through Friday.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy reported air quality readings well above "very unhealthy" levels in Metro Detroit and other communities like Lansing, Flint, and Grand Rapids. Health professionals advised that poor air quality poses risks, particularly to individuals with heart and vascular diseases, and can cause irritation even in healthy people.
This smoke event affected more than just Michigan, with neighboring states like Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio also issuing air quality alerts. The situation led to the closure of some summer school and community programs in Metro Detroit. A cold front forecast for Thursday night into Friday is expected to bring cooler temperatures and shifting winds, gradually pushing the smoke out and improving air quality by the weekend.
