Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Detroit AQI Falls to 55, Still Among Worst Amid Smoke

7/19/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Detroit’s AQI dropped from 724 on Thursday to 55 on Saturday, but it remained one of four worst-polluted cities.
Wildfire smoke raised particulate levels, leading Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to keep an Air Quality Alert through Saturday and warn conditions would stay unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Experts said fronts may thin smoke Saturday but worsen air quality Sunday after Upper Peninsula counties logged AQI above 200.

1 of 1

Story summary

Detroit’s AQI dropped from 724 on Thursday to 55 on Saturday, but it remained one of four worst-polluted cities.
Wildfire smoke raised particulate levels, leading Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to keep an Air Quality Alert through Saturday and warn conditions would stay unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Experts said fronts may thin smoke Saturday but worsen air quality Sunday after Upper Peninsula counties logged AQI above 200.