07/16/2026
Where is the smoke coming from? The answer is mostly from Canada, and some from Minnesota. Lightning from severe storms over the last weekend sparked several wildfires just north of Thunder Bay. These fires are mainly located in remote areas and are not accessible for normal fire trucks or firefighters. This is the case with many wildfires we see in Canada especially. They also span hundreds of miles. This isn't some small compact fire.
These fires are fairly close range for us here in Michigan, and typical summertime jet stream patterns steer our upper level winds from northwest to southeast. This means Michigan is literally in a perfect - but unfortunate spot for the downstream smoke of these fires.
Many people are asking when this ends, and truthfully, we don't know. We may see relief this weekend, but given we remain in that northwest flow pattern, smoke and poor air quality may continue for weeks - assuming this fire keeps burning.
