Air Quality Advisory for July 16, 2025 The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for July 16 for elevated levels of ozone in several western lake shore counties. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range. The Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the following Michigan counties: Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Van Buren As wildfire smoke exits the region, leftover chemical precursors are present which could trigger elevated ozone levels. Original forecasts of early cloud cover during Wednesday now look less likely as projected West Michigan lake dynamics look to delay the cloud arrival. Minus the cloud coverage, elements such as wind direction, temperature, dew points, and upper air conditions all point towards the likelihood that elevated ozone concentrations, in the USG range, could occur throughout those counties. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling; using gasoline powered lawn equipment; using charcoal lighter fluid. Positive activities include: driving less; telecommuting; walking or bike riding; delaying or combining errands; using water-based paints. For further information, please see EPAs Air Now site for up-to-date air quality data: https://www.airnow.gov/
