Detroit woke up sweating today with a thick, muggy start to the day. Temperatures were already near 79°F under clear skies and light west winds, the kind of morning that tells you it is only going to get hotter from here.
The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect through 8 p.m. today, with afternoon highs expected to reach around 97°F and heat-index readings up to 102°F. Late-day breezes will stay on the weak side, so any relief will be hit-or-miss, and most of the city is expected to feel very hot straight through the evening.
Afternoon Heat And Storm Chance
The steamy sunshine comes with a side of smoke. Mostly sunny skies are forecast to give way to patchy wildfire smoke, and there is a slight chance of showers or isolated thunderstorms after 5 p.m. today, mainly along and south of the I-696 to I-96 corridor, according to the National Weather Service Detroit.
Most neighborhoods will stay dry and hot, but any storm that does manage to bubble up could pack brief yet strong wind gusts. With northwest winds only around 5 to 7 mph, any storms that form are expected to be highly localized rather than a citywide soaker.
Air Quality And Smoke
On top of the heat, the air itself is taking a turn for the worse. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued a Statewide Air Quality Alert for today, warning that Canadian wildfire smoke will push fine particle pollution (PM2.5) to levels considered "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" and possibly even "Unhealthy," EGLE reports.
People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, older adults, and children are urged to limit time outside, keep windows closed, and run air conditioning with a high-efficiency filter when possible. The smoky haze could also cut visibility on area roads and put a damper on outdoor events across the region.
How To Stay Safe Today
To ride out this hot, hazy stretch, health officials recommend sticking to the basics. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the peak afternoon heat, shifting workouts or yard work to the cooler early morning or evening hours instead.
Check in on elderly neighbors and anyone with chronic health conditions, and never leave children or pets alone in parked cars, even for a short time. If you or someone nearby develops chest pain, faints, seems confused, or has trouble breathing in the smoke or heat, seek medical care immediately.
More Information
Before heading out, check the latest local forecast and any updated advisories from the National Weather Service and EGLE, so you know what you are stepping into.
For background on how this extended heat wave has been unfolding, including information on cooling centers and the city’s response, see our earlier report on Hoodline.
