The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 19 and July 20, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. Concentrations on Sunday will range from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) in lower peninsula to Unhealthy across the upper peninsula. On Monday, USG concentrations are expected statewide. This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert Another smoke plume has settled over the region due to wildfires in Canada. The highest levels of fine particulate will be across the upper peninsula on Sunday. We expect the increased pollution to continue into Monday; however, levels will improve during the day as our winds shift to a southerly direction. With smoke lingering across the state, ozone also has the potential to increase quickly. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as: - outdoor burning; - use of residential wood burning devices. Tips for households: - Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPAs Air Now site: AirNow.gov For further health information, please see MDHHS Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury- prev/environmental-health/your-health- and-wildfire-smoke Air Quality Alert Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy July 19, 2026