Air Quality Alert: Wildfire Impacts And Rain Incoming for Michigan
An air quality alert is in effect for the entire Southeast region here in Michigan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy just dropped an Air Quality Action Day Advisory for Thursday and portions of Friday.
It’s the first time Michigan has issued an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke. The Canadian wildfire smoke has caused the concentration of fine particles, or pollutants, to skyrocket. It’s not just affecting sensitive groups like people with asthma or respiratory issues. It’s unhealthy for all of us. While the alert is in effect, people are being advised to take it easy and not push themselves too hard when spending time outside.
In fact, the IQAIR, which tracks air quality, says that Detroit has the second-worst in the country, behind only New York City.
Drought conditions across the state.
Unfortunately, the northern regions of Michigan have fallen victim to wildfires, resulting in the destruction of nearly 3,000 acres of land. CBS News reported that warm and dry conditions often result in wildfires. Canada and the rest of North America have been feeling the heat. Experiencing record-breaking temperatures and droughts.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has shared some concerns on social media regarding the wildfires. “What’s a state gotta do to get some rain around here?!” they asked on Twitter. They said fire danger is still extreme and very high throughout Michigan. In addition, they’ve made it clear that burn permits are a no-go for now. While campfires are technically still allowed, it might be wise to reconsider lighting one up.
When will Michigan get rain?
According to the National Weather Service, Michigan is in for some wet weather on Sunday. Showers are expected to ramp up in the afternoon, with rain making its way in around 6-7 p.m. By 8 p.m., the entire region can anticipate widespread rainfall as a cold front sweeps through. The rain will continue into Monday morning. And by Tuesday morning there will be even more widespread rain.
Michigan Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 407 Species
Michigan’s Threatened and Endangered list got its seventh update in nearly 50 years. Now, the list shows a total of 407 species are threatened and endangered. Experts from universities, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, other conservation organizations, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommended changes to the list based on recent data.
36 species were removed from the list, including trumpeter swans. However, 58 species were added to the list. “When people come together to collaborate on conservation, we can recover rare species,” said DNR endangered species specialist Jennifer Kleitch. “For instance, trumpeter swans were just removed from Michigan’s threatened and endangered species list. Their populations have grown as a result of significant conservation efforts by many partners over decades.”
What animals were removed from the threatened and endangered list?
Although the trumpeter swan has been removed from Michigan’s list of threatened and endangered species, it is still federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Three bat species, including the little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, and tri-colored bat, have been listed as threatened due to significant population declines in Michigan resulting from white-nose syndrome. Rusty-patched bumblebees and American bumblebees were added to the endangered species list because, like many pollinator species, their populations are seeing large declines.
“Many threatened and endangered species rely on high-quality natural areas that benefit all of us by providing clean water, clean air and places for us to enjoy nature. When species are struggling, it can indicate declines in the functioning of those natural areas, which in turn can impact our quality of life,” Kleitch said.
“The addition is sad yet a great move.”
The DNR took to Twitter to share more information about the list and one user shared their thoughts. “The addition is sad yet a great move. The only thing worse than being an endangered species is being an extinct species due to the fact of not being helped as much as a protected listing can,” said a comment under their post.
See a full list of the state’s threatened and endangered plants and animals on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory website.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
