Air Quality Alert Issued for Southeast Michigan

Predicted high temperatures and poor air quality have prompted the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to issue an "Air Action Day" alert for Thursday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts the daytime high could reach 97 degrees, under mostly sunny skies. 

According to the MDEQ release, "ozone concentrations in the Mississippi Valley have already reached USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups) levels" and that air mass is headed toward Michigan. Cleaner winds from the west could mean improved air quality, the release indicated, but the potential for unsafe levels of ozone led officials to issue the alert. 

Huntington Woods City Manager Alex Allie said residents who need to take shelter from the heat are welcome to spend the day at the or the . Unfortunately, he said, will close for a swim meet at 4 p.m.

"That's regretful that on one of the hottest days of the year, the pool's closed," Allie said.

Theresa McArleton, assistant to Berkley's city manager, said residents can keep cool at the or at the .

People and businesses are encouraged to avoid these activities tomorrow:

• Refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling
• Using gasoline-powered lawn equipment
• Using charcoal lighting fluid

Everyone is encouraged to car pool, use their bicycles or walk, and delay or combine errands when possible.

Active children and adults, and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, the MDEQ advises.