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See the full story · 2 sourcesThe first practices for high school sports teams are a week away, but wildfire smoke from the U.S. and Canada could impact teams across Michigan when it returns.
School administrators should restrict some activity when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 150, according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). When levels exceeded 200, MHSAA says outside events should be rescheduled, shortened and in some cases, even avoided, according to a 2023 report .
While most of the Lower Peninsula currently has "good" air quality — falling below 50 of the AQI — wildfire smoke over the western Upper Peninsula has raised the AQI to the 60s and 70s.
There are nearly 900 wildfires burning across Canada and more in the northern U.S., including in Minnesota.
When the air quality index is above 150, "consideration should be given to shortening, delaying, modifying, rescheduling the activity or moving it indoors, if possible. Prolonged exposure and heavy exertion should be reduced, shortened or even avoided."
When air quality climbs to more than 200, "outside events should be rescheduled, postponed or canceled."
The MHSAA added that "the wearing of masks, such as for protection against COVID-19, does not protect against exposure to hazardous air quality. Consequently, wearing masks will not allow competition or practices when AQI is at hazardous levels."
The policy, officials say, is consistent with the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
What is the air quality index?
The AQI shows the outdoor air quality for public health. It features six color-coded categories, from good (0-50) to hazardous (301 plus). Here's a breakdown:
Green : satisfactory air (0-50).
Yellow : moderate air (51-100).
Orange : unhealthy air for sensitive groups (101-150).
Red : unhealthy air (151-200).
Purple : very unhealthy air (151-200).
Maroon : hazardous air (301 plus).
Michigan has already seen readings topping 1,400 in 2026.
The AQI takes into account five air pollutants:
Ground-level ozone
Particle pollution (also known as particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10)
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide
What does an air quality advisory mean?
An advisory is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange air quality index (AQI) threshold.
An alert is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the unhealthy threshold.
How can I stay updated on air quality in Michigan?
Michigan residents can check current conditions through EGLE's MiAir Quality Index Dashboard . The interactive map provides AQI scores for cities across the state.
Residents can also use AirNow , a part of the U.S. Air Quality Index, and check local conditions by searching their ZIP Code or city. AccuWeather also has an AQI feature that lists the current pollutants in the air.
In addition, Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services has a Facebook and X account . The department allows residents to subscribe to alerts through the EnviroFlash system.
How is the air quality Michigan?
The map below displays the current air quality at monitoring sites in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Air monitoring sites are color-coded based on the pollutant (ozone or particulate matter) with the highest value. Particles that are less than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers in diameter are called PM10 and PM2.5, respectively.
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Good
Moderate
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
Unhealthy
Very unhealthy
Hazardous
Lansing State Journal reporter Sarah Moore contributed reporting.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: High school sports set to start. Could wildfire smoke cancel events?
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