Michigan air quality updates: What's closed Friday due to wildfire smoke

Southeast Michigan is covered in Canadian wildfire smoke for the second consecutive day Friday, July 17, bringing unhealthy conditions to millions of residents.

As the smoke continues flowing over Michigan and metro Detroit, some courts, parks, attractions and other public facilities remain closed Friday, while events scramble to update their plans.

Michigan air quality map: Check if it's bad today in your area

On Thursday, the John Mellencamp concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre was canceled, the Detroit Zoo adjusted its operations and artists and vendors at the Ann Arbor Art Fair adjusted their hours.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises staying indoors with windows closed and air conditioning running amid wildfire smoke. If you have to go outside, limit your time outdoors, avoid strenuous activities and consider wearing an N95 mask.

How to check Michigan air quality today

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.

An AQI of 50 or below means the current air quality is good. The shaded areas of the map show the approximate boundaries where air quality is available and listed as anything other than good. The information is updated hourly.

Air quality alert extended into Friday

A statewide air quality alert in Michigan was extended through Friday, July 17, as officials expect Canadian wildfire smoke to linger at least another day before moving out of the Great Lakes region.

Thunderstorms are possible on Friday afternoon and evening, July 17, and Saturday afternoon, July 18, as a cold front moves through, which could help push the smoke out, Grand Rapids NWS senior meteorologist Nathan Jeruzal. Storms are also possible in northern Minnesota and Canada, which could help extinguish wildfires and reduce the the billowing smoke being carried south and east.

How to protect yourself in bad air quality

Experts urge Michiganders to stay indoors amid unhealthy air quality but, if you must go outside, key practices can limit your exposure to potentially hazardous wildfire smoke:

If you're driving, keep windows and outside air vents closed, run your air conditioning on recirculate mode, and, in low visibility areas, slow down, Access Roadside Assistance advises.When outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask or P100 respirator marked with NIOSH, per the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The respirator should fit tightly, collapse as you breathe in and not let air in from the sides. Children under 2 years old should not wear face masks.Opt for less strenuous activities while outdoors, like a short walk instead of a run.Reschedule your outdoor activities for better air conditions.

As wildfire smoke engulfs Michigan, officials are urging residents to limit outdoor time as much as possible — and the same advice goes for your beloved pets.

"As irritating as smoke can be to people, it can cause health problems for animals as well. Smoke from wildfires and other large blazes affects pets, horses, livestock and wildlife. If you can see or feel the effects of smoke yourself, you also should take precautions to keep your animals — both pets and livestock — safe," the American Veterinary Medical Association said.

Michigan Planet Fitness locations let community members work out for free

All Michigan Planet Fitness locations are offering free club access Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19.

All community members will be able to visit the locations for free without an obligation to join. Anyone looking to work out can walk in and sign in at the front desk. A waiver is required to workout in the facility, but not a credit card or down payment, a spokesperson told the Free Press Thursday morning.

What's closed in metro Detroit Friday due to wildfire smoke

36th District Court

The 36th District Court in Detroit closed early on Thursday and will remain closed Friday, the court announced Thursday.

Felony arraignments will continue as scheduled. All other court proceedings and court services are suspended during the closure.

Individuals with matters affected by the closure will receive additional informationregarding rescheduling, if necessary. Court users are encouraged to monitor the Court'swebsite and official social media channels for updates.

Normal operations are expected to resume Monday.

Third Judicial Circuit Court in Detroit

The Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan in downtown Detroit is closed to the public as of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and will remain closed Friday, according to a public information officer.

All in-person hearings and proceedings scheduled during the closure will be adjourned and rescheduled. Remote-only proceedings will continue as scheduled. Parties with scheduled court appearances will receive additional information regarding their new court dates.

The court plans to reopen on Monday, July 20 at 8:30 a.m., pending further air quality updates.

Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores closed

The Ford House and the Continental restaurant in Grosse Pointe Shores are closed.

Guests with tickets or reservations will be contacted directly by the visitor experience team, according to Ford House.

Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.