Michigan’s smoky summer is not in your imagination

Posted on by farlane
Lakeside by Mark Ellefson

Lakeside by Mark Ellefson

If you’ve been thinking that this summer is smokier than most, you are not wrong according to WKAR Public Media and Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism:

So far, smoke-induced air quality advisories have been issued for more than 20 days. Last year, there were none due to wildfires.

…Atmospheric conditions and wind direction bring smoke from Canada into Michigan. High-and low-pressure systems are common ways smoke is transported, said Rebecca Hansen, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Grand Rapids office. Most recently, all those cloudless skies—due to a high-pressure system—helped blow the smoke right into the state, she said. ‘”Due to the light winds moving around, that’s helping the smoke stay over the area too … Canada has been experiencing warmer and drier conditions, and that definitely increases the wildfire risk,” Hansen said.

Mark took this in the UP a few days ago. See more on his Flickr.

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Macomb’s Miller mad about Canada’s smoke

Posted on by farlane
Smokey Belle Isle Sunset by Ryan Jake Jakubowski

Smokey Belle Isle Sunset by Ryan Jake Jakubowski

The Detroit News reports that as Michigan has extended its 10th air quality advisory of the season, Macomb County’s Candice Miller is calling on Canada to do more about wildfires that are degrading Michigan’s air quality:

“Breathing in the Canadian wildfires smoke cannot be the new normal,” said Candice Miller, Macomb County public works commissioner.

Since June, wildfires in Canada have caused decreased air quality in bordering states in the U.S., prompting the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to so far issue ten advisories warning against unhealthy breathing conditions. Miller called for U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra to press Canadian officials to increase efforts combating wildfires and improve forestry management.

“Ambassador Hoekstra needs to make some noise,” Miller said. “Smoke from Canada wildfires should not be a regular part or our summers but unfortunately that’s become the norm in our state and others. It’s unacceptable for our friends in Canada to simply say, ‘The fires will burn out’ or ‘Wait until December.’”

…During mid-afternoon on Thursday, the air quality index in central Macomb County was between 140 to 150, a range described as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” “That description misses the mark, in my opinion. Smoke is unhealthy for all groups,” Miller said. At the same time in the Marquette area, the air quality index was 139, a day after measuring 161. In Seney, in the central portion of the Upper Peninsula, the reading was 160 during the morning of July 30, the highest in the state.

Ryan took these photos last night on Belle Isle at sunset. Click the pic above to follow Ryan & see more on Facebook and for sure check out J&C Photography to view & purchase his work and to hire him for photographic services including drone photography & some very cool 360 degree panoramas.

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Michigan Air Quality remains terrible

Posted on by farlane
Mackinac Bridge Haze July 14 by Riviera Motel of Mackinac City

Mackinac Bridge Haze July 14 by Riviera Motel of Mackinac City

The Huron Daily Tribune shares that the National Weather Service & Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued an air quality alert for elevated levels of fine particulate over the weekend:

“Pollutants across the state are expected to reach the very unhealthy to unhealthy range in northern locations, with ranges of unhealthy to (unhealthy for sensitive groups) further south,” according to the service. Wildfire smoke from Canada is pushing into Michigan from till Monday. Increased fine particulate levels reached the western portion of the Upper Peninsula on Saturday afternoon.

You can read more in the Tribune & also check out an interactive map of Michigan air quality from the Manistee News.

This zoomed in view of the live Mackinac Bridge webcam at the Riviera Motel shows how much the smoke from wildfires is impacting the view of the Bridge this morning in Mackinac City.

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Canada brings the smoke to Michigan

Posted on by farlane
Canadian Wildfire Smoke by Mackinac Bridge Authority

Canadian Wildfire Smoke by Mackinac Bridge Authority

“Unfortunately, what you’re seeing today is not fog surrounding the Mackinac Bridge but smoke coming from the wildfires and our neighbors to the North.” -The Mackinac Bridge on X (which I won’t link to)

Yesterday morning the Mackinac Bridge Cam captured smoke so dense that it looked like the bridge was shrouded in fog! There’s less today but it’s still an astonishing amount of smoke so be sure to keep an eye on your local air quality because as the map shows, it’s not great right now!

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Where there’s fire, there’s smoke

Posted on by farlane

Smoke from Western Wildfires over Michigan by CMU Public Radio

Smoke from Western Wildfires over Michigan by CMU Public Radio

Although Michigan is not currently on fire, we’re dealing with the consequences of yet another crazy fire season in the West. Central Michigan University Public Radio shares that smoke from wildfires in Canada and the American West is starting to affect air quality in Michigan:

The smoke carries tiny particles of ash and soot called PM 2.5 — flecks of particulate matter that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, or about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair.

Stephanie Hengesbach, a meteorologist with the state’s air quality division, said those particles are especially dangerous for people with heart or lung problems.

“Be aware of it,” she advised. “Levels are higher than typical this time of year. When you breathe, it can become trapped into your lungs. That’s why it’s so important that people that have lung or breathing issues really be aware.”

More from CMU Public Radio.

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