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Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Triggers Widespread U.S. Air Quality Alerts as Michigan Issues 10th Advisory

A persistent high-pressure dome is trapping smoke near the ground across the region, with a forecasted wind shift expected to disperse the haze later this week.

Image
Helicopters crews work on a wildfire in northern Manitoba during a helicopter tour in the surrounding area of Manitoba, Canada, on June 12, 2025.
Tourists pose for a photo against city view of Toronto on Monday July 14, 2025. The Air Quality Health Index rating for Toronto was over 10, or "very high risk," from wildfire smoke on Monday morning.

Overview

  • More than 700 active wildfires in Canada have sent thick smoke plumes into the U.S., prompting the National Weather Service to issue air quality alerts across multiple Midwest and Northeast states.
  • Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy declared its 10th air quality advisory of the season as fine particulates (PM2.5) reached unhealthy levels over much of the state.
  • Health agencies are urging children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions to limit outdoor exertion and monitor for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath and unusual fatigue.
  • Macomb County Commissioner Candice Miller called on U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to press Canadian officials for stronger wildfire suppression efforts and improved forest management.
  • Meteorologists warn that smoke will remain trapped under the high-pressure system through midweek, but a wind shift forecast for Thursday could push the haze back into Canada and improve air quality.