MICHIGAN — Air quality readings across Michigan spiked back into the unhealthy to very unhealthy range Saturday morning following a wind shift Friday evening. As of 8:30 a.m. EDT, the Keweenaw Peninsula recorded an AQI reading of 251, the highest concentration of smoke currently affecting the state.
Hazy skies with a noticeable smoky smell are expected statewide today, particularly north of Traverse City, where AQI readings of 199 reflect some of the most significant smoke impact outside the Upper Peninsula.
Keweenaw Peninsula Sees Highest Concentration of Smoke
The Keweenaw Peninsula is currently dealing with AQI readings exceeding 250, placing it firmly in the very unhealthy category. Numerous monitoring sites across the Upper Peninsula show similarly elevated readings, with several locations recording values in the 200s and 300s near Wausau and the Lake Superior shoreline.
This concentration of smoke reflects the wind shift that occurred Friday evening, pushing wildfire smoke back into the region after a period of improved conditions earlier in the week.
Unhealthy Readings Extend Into Grand Rapids and Detroit
Grand Rapids recorded an AQI of 158 and Detroit registered 153 as of Saturday morning, both falling within the unhealthy category for sensitive groups and general population alike. Numerous readings across southern Michigan cluster in the 150 to 250 range, indicating widespread smoke impact well beyond the Upper Peninsula…