Detroit's Air Quality on Thursday: A Hazardous Situation Worsening by the Minute

Updated on: July 16, 2026 / 1:50 PM EDT / CBS Detroit The air quality in Detroit took a drastic turn for the worse on Thursday, with the city's air quality ranking as hazardous, the worst in the world. This hazardous situation is not unique to Detroit, however, as several other states in the US have also been affected by the same wildfire smoke. The smoke plume originated hundreds of miles away in Canada and Minnesota, where much of the state is under an air quality alert. The smoke began crossing into Northern Michigan during the day on Wednesday, and by midnight, the MiAir database showed a significant deterioration in air quality in Southeast Michigan. This hazardous air quality has prompted the City of Detroit to take action, distributing free face masks to its residents at the Detroit Health Department and at various City of Detroit Recreation Centers. These masks are a crucial tool in protecting residents from the harsh air quality, which can exacerbate heart and vascular diseases even in individuals who have not yet been diagnosed. Even healthy individuals may experience eye irritation or difficulty breathing during prolonged outdoor activity. The City of Detroit is also providing the face masks to DDOT passengers who are outdoors and to residents at senior buildings in Detroit. But the impact of this hazardous air quality extends far beyond Detroit. Several states in the US are or will be in the path of the wildfire smoke plume. Pennsylvania will be under a code red air quality alert on Thursday, while the entire state of Ohio is under an air quality alert for Thursday as air quality readings may reach the unhealthy stage. Other states affected by the wildfire smoke include Minnesota, where much of the state is already under an air quality alert. This heat wave, combined with the poor air quality, has also led to the closure of several summer schools and community programs in Metro Detroit. The CBS News Detroit weather team has declared Thursday and Friday as NEXT Weather Alert Days, increasing their level of forecast and announcements as needed. The National Weather Service has also issued a dense smoke advisory until Friday morning for the Michigan waters of Lake Erie, from the Detroit River to North Cape, warning of low visibility that will make navigation difficult. However, relief is on the horizon for Southeast Michigan. A cold front is expected to move through the region on Thursday night, bringing cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and a shift in winds that should gradually push the wildfire smoke out of the region and improve the air quality. This shift is expected to bring about a gradual improvement in air quality heading into the weekend, providing a much-needed break for the residents of Detroit and the surrounding areas. But for now, residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves from the hazardous air quality. The MiAir database, run by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, has reported readings well over the 'very unhealthy' range in multiple locations in Metro Detroit, with the highest readings seen in Detroit since at least 2023. The impact of this hazardous air quality will be felt for days to come, and residents must remain vigilant in taking proactive measures to protect their health. The health implications of this hazardous air quality are severe. Dr. Herb Aronow, the chair of heart and vascular health at Henry Ford Health, warns that unhealthy air affects everyone with heart and vascular diseases, even those who have not been diagnosed yet. This is in addition to the general risks of eye irritation and difficulty breathing during prolonged outdoor activity. As the nation looks on, one thing is clear: the situation in Detroit is dire. The air quality is hazardous, and the situation will take days to resolve. But with the right precautions and a proactive approach, residents can protect themselves from the devastating impact of this wildfire smoke. By taking action now, residents can ensure their health and well-being for the days to come, while also advocating for change to prevent such hazardous situations from arising in the future.