Grand Rapids, Mich. – Unhealthy air quality is expected across parts of Michigan on July 4, with officials warning about elevated ozone levels and smoke from both wildfires and fireworks. This will particularly affect areas in metro Detroit and lakeshore counties such as Berrien, Muskegon, and Ottawa.
Air Quality Advisory Issued
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Friday, July 4, for much of western and southeastern Michigan.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach the Orange range, classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” This is due to a combination of ozone buildup along Lake Michigan and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from residual wildfire smoke and fireworks.
Counties Affected
The advisory covers the following counties:
Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, Van Buren, and Berrien counties
Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Monroe counties in metro Detroit
Why Is the Air Quality Poor?
Sunshine, highs in the 80s, and stagnant winds will worsen air quality throughout the day, particularly due to increased ozone and smoke concentrations.
The combination of these factors will result in unhealthy conditions for those who are sensitive to air pollutants, especially individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory issues.
Safety Measures for Residents
Residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, are urged to take the following precautions:
Avoid outdoor exertion—limit strenuous outdoor activities.
Limit driving—especially during peak air pollution hours.
Delay gasoline-powered yard work—such as lawn mowing, which can contribute to further air pollution.
Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering homes.
Run air conditioners with HEPA or MERV-13 filters to reduce indoor exposure to smoke.
Advisory Duration and Future Alerts
The air quality advisory is in effect through Friday night, but it may be extended if the weather and smoke conditions continue. More advisories could be issued depending on how the situation develops.
