Hold your breath—literally. If you’re in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula today, stepping outside might not be as harmless as it seems. Health officials are sounding the alarm: ozone pollution levels are set to spike, creating an invisible but dangerous threat in the air you breathe. For thousands of residents, especially those with asthma or other lung conditions, this could mean coughing fits, difficulty breathing, or worse.
What’s Going On?
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a widespread air quality alert for much of the Upper Peninsula due to unhealthy ozone levels. This isn’t just the usual pollen or smoke—we’re talking ground-level ozone, a pollutant that forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities, and yes, even the distant wildfires burning across Canada.
Today’s weather—warm temperatures and still air—is creating the perfect storm for ozone to build up and linger across the region.
Counties affected include:
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Menominee
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Dickinson
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Iron
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Marquette
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Delta
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Baraga
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Keweenaw
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Gogebic
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Luce
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Ontonagon
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Alger
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Schoolcraft
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Houghton
Whether you’re out for a jog or just taking your kids to the park, this is not the day for prolonged outdoor activity, especially if you have a history of respiratory issues.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The spike in ozone isn’t entirely local. While cars and factories play a role, smoke drifting in from massive wildfires in Canada—particularly in Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan—is combining with local pollutants to make the situation worse.
Think of it as a cocktail of industrial smog and wildfire haze, stirred up by sunshine and stagnant winds. It’s not a recipe anyone wants to breathe in.
Who’s at Risk?
This air quality alert is classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” That means people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, as well as young children and the elderly, are more likely to experience serious symptoms.
Even healthy adults could feel the effects with extended exposure: tightness in the chest, throat irritation, fatigue, or even shortness of breath during mild activity.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re in any of the affected counties, here’s how to protect yourself:
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Stay indoors as much as possible, especially between noon and 7 p.m. when ozone peaks.
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Close your windows to keep outdoor air from seeping inside.
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Use air purifiers or fans with HEPA filters if you have them.
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Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors.
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Check on elderly neighbors or anyone with known health issues.
And if you start to notice symptoms—coughing, wheezing, or trouble catching your breath—don’t wait. Seek medical advice immediately.
The Bottom Line
You can’t see ozone. You can’t smell it. But it can hurt you. Today’s alert is more than just a weather headline—it’s a real public health warning. Stay informed, stay indoors, and if you must go out, keep activity light and brief.
