GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —
Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires in Quebec Canada is impacting West Michigan as of Monday evening. Visibilities have dropped to around 1-3 miles.
Air Quality
Air quality has reached the "Unhealthy" category with air monitors showing a rapid increase in particulate matter. Make sure you can get to a place indoors if you have respiratory issues. Outdoors, you should wear an N-95 mask; the more-common face masks are not as effective.
Where Can I Monitor the Current Air Quality?
There are several websites that have air quality information:
Air Quality Forecast
The forecast for Tuesday is for USG or "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" and may occasionally reach the "Unhealthy" category.
Clean Air Action Day Declared
A Clean Air Action Day is declared when ground-level ozone or particulate matter (such as fine particles from wildfire) is forecast to exceed air quality standards set by the federal government. A Clean Air Action Day has been declared for the entire state of Michigan for Tuesday.
What Can I Do to Help Keep the Air Cleaner?
When a Clean Air Action Day is declared (usually the day before) you can help out in these ways:
- Mow lawns and re-fuel vehicles after 6 p.m.
- Use natural gas, propane gas or an electric outdoor grill. Avoid using light fluid to start your charcoal.
- Walk or bike to work, or work from home.
- Take mass transit to your destinations; there are free rides on the Rapid Bus and Max systems.
As always, watch the 13 On Your Side team of meteorologists for the latest weather updates.
Chief Meteorologist George Lessens
George is a graduate of Penn State University working for 13 On Your Side for over 42 years. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a thirteen-time MAB® Weathercast Award Winner, two-time EMMY® Award Winner, NATAS® Silver Circle Award Winner, and Weather-Ready Nation® Ambassador.
Contact me at: GeorgeLessens@13OnYourSide.com
Follow me on Twitter @glessens and Facebook GeorgeLessensWZZM
Have a 30-second video or photo to share? We'd love to share it with everyone! Share your images by texting your name and location to 616.559.1310 or email to Weather@13OnYourSide.com or post it to our 13OnYourSide Facebook Page
