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Wildfire smoke causes air quality alert for Metro Detroit ahead of weekend rain

Wildfire smoke from Canada creating poor air quality

4Warn WeatherWelcome to Thursday.

We have another cool start on this Thursday.

An air quality alert is in effect for all of Southeast Michigan through today. The hourly concentration of pollutants, or fine particles, from the Canadian wildfire smoke has elevated to an unhealthy category for everyone -- not just for those in “sensitive groups,” such as those with asthma or respiratory issues.

We typically see these alerts on hot, stagnant summer days. It’s the first time Michigan has been issued an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke. The alert could be extended beyond Thursday.

During the alert, people are encouraged to not overexert themselves outdoors.

Read more: Detroit air quality among worst on Earth as Canadian wildfire smoke moves through

Skies will be mostly sunny with a widespread haze today. Highs will be below average, close to 70 degrees. It will feel a little cool for this time of year, especially in the wake of a long, hot stretch we just had in Metro Detroit.

Expect the haze from the Canadian wildfire smoke to stick around tonight into Friday.

Tonight’s sunset is at 9:08 p.m.

Dry Friday

Friday will remain dry and hazy. Highs will be in the upper 70s.

Rain arrives this weekend

Expect sunshine and dry weather on Saturday. Highs will climb back to around 80 degrees.

Then, much needed rain will arrive on Sunday.

Expect shower chances to increase throughout Sunday afternoon. We’ll likely start seeing the rain move in around 6-7 p.m., with widespread rain across the region by 8 p.m. A cold front will push through the region at the same time.

Rain continues into next week

The rain will linger into Monday morning. Some, especially those more south and west, may dry out a bit on Monday afternoon, but that won’t last long. By Tuesday morning, we’ll all see more widespread rain.

Highs will be in the low 70s on Monday and Tuesday.

Remember to download the free 4Warn weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation. Just search your app store under WDIV and it’s right there available for both iPhones and Androids! Or click the appropriate link below.


About the Author
Ashlee Baracy headshot

Ashlee Baracy is an Emmy award-winning meteorologist who was born and raised in Metro Detroit. You can catch her 4Warn Weather forecasts weekday mornings, at noon and streaming on Local4+.

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