Air quality alerts lifted – possibly only for a day – for much of Michigan

The lower part of Michigan, including the Lansing area, is no longer in an air quality warning as of Saturday (July 18) afternoon but that could be short-lived with smoke and potential warnings expected to return Sunday (July 19).

The Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan is still seeing elevated levels of particulates in the air.

In Lansing, as of noon, the AQI index was around 50, or moderate. During Thursday and Friday, the unprecedentedly smoky air reached hazardous levels of more than 400.

Authorities are still recommending people with sensitive breathing issues to take precautions – a N95 or similar mask is one recommendation.

Many Saturday activities are being resumed today, so check before you write them off.