Michigan & Great Lakes Weather + Emergency/Important Information

07/20/2026

07/20/2026

07/20/2026

Air Quality Alert for Monday, July 20, 2026 The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 20, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert Sunday was another day with wildfire smoke across the region. While levels were not as high last week, daily 24-averages ranged from Very Unhealthy (purple AQI) to Unhealthy (Red AQI) across the upper peninsula to mostly USG (orange AQI) across the lower peninsula. Daily averages ranged from 135 ug/m3 in Marquette to 33 ug/m3 in Flint and Port Huron. Maximum hourly concentrations ranged from 200 ug/m3 at the Seney monitor to 44 ug/m3 at the Tecumseh monitor. On Monday, PM2.5 concentrations are lingering in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range across much of the state. Levels are expected to remain in this range through most of the day, so the Air Quality Alert will continue through Monday. As a weather system moves through, improvements are expected, and by Tuesday, PM2.5 concentrations should fall into the Moderate range. Looking ahead, forecast guidance suggests that light smoke may drift into the region on the cool northwest flow behind Monday’s system. At this time, we do not expect more than an hour or two of USG level hourly readings in the western upper peninsula. High pressure will settle over the region on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing dry conditions and gradually warming temperatures as the week progresses. Under this warmer, dry setup, there is potential for increased smoke formation, so we will issue another forecast update on Wednesday to refine expectations for smoke for the rest of the week. Despite the dry pattern, cooler surface and upper?level temperatures should help keep ozone levels from rising above the Moderate range through mid?week.

It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning and use of residential wood burning devices.

For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site:
https://air-egle.hub.arcgis.com/

For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPA’s Air Now site:
https://www.airnow.gov/

Michigan EnviroFlash is a partnership of the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy and United States-Environmental Protection Agency.

If you want more information on the air quality forecast, or other aspects of the local air quality program, please contact your local air quality agency using the information above. For more information on the U.S. EPA's AIRNow Program, visit http://www.airnow.gov.

To share EnviroFlash with a friend: http://www.enviroflash.info/ftaf.cfm?sGUID=D3D34E0D-01D8-4ED1-8925-9296740E0E37

07/16/2026

Cyclospora: A Foodborne Parasite
Cyclospora (Cyclospora cayetanensis) is a microscopic, single-celled parasite that infects the human small intestine and causes an illness known as cyclosporiasis. People become infected after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks are most often linked to fresh produce such as leafy greens, cilantro, basil, berries, and other fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated before reaching consumers. �
CDC +1
The symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually appear about one week after a person has been exposed, although they can begin anywhere from two days to two weeks later. The most common symptom is frequent watery diarrhea, which may be severe and can last for weeks if left untreated. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Some people experience periods where they seem to recover, only for the symptoms to return later. �
CDC +1
Unlike many other foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora does not usually spread directly from one person to another. The parasite must first mature in the environment for one to two weeks before it becomes capable of infecting another person. This means that infections are typically caused by contaminated food or water rather than direct contact with someone who is sick. �
CDC +1
Doctors diagnose Cyclospora through specialized laboratory testing of stool samples because the parasite is not always detected during routine testing. The recommended treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly known by the brand names Bactrim or Septra. Staying well hydrated is also important because prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration. �
CDC
Preventing Cyclospora infection involves practicing good food safety. Washing fruits and vegetables under running water, avoiding untreated water while traveling, washing hands frequently, and following public health advisories can reduce the risk of infection. However, washing alone may not completely remove the parasite if produce is contaminated at the farm. �
CDC +1
Recently, health officials have been investigating a large Cyclospora outbreak in several U.S. states. Investigators believe contaminated produce is responsible, but they continue working to identify the exact source. Public health agencies recommend staying informed through official updates rather than relying on social media graphics that list entire restaurant chains or grocery stores without evidence linking every location. �
Serious Eats +2
In conclusion, Cyclospora is a serious but treatable foodborne parasite. Understanding how it spreads, recognizing its symptoms, and following safe food-handling practices can help reduce the risk of infection. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important for preventing prolonged illness and limiting the impact of outbreaks.

07/16/2026

Today's smoke density will pretty much be maximized over the entire state of Michigan. Expect hazy skies, reduced visibility and poor air quality to continue.

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

BREAKING: The Air Quality Alert (Advisory) has been upgraded to an Air Quality Alert (Warning) as particulates push Air Quality Indices into the "Hazardous" range today.

The Warning has also been extended through tomorrow (Friday).

This is the worst air we have seen in years!