Will The Smoke Clear Friday? MI's Weekend Air Quality Forecast

SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN — All southeastern Michigan counties remain under an air quality alert Friday as smoke from Canadian wildfires could get worse through the morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The air quality was in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range early Friday morning, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

The alert for southeastern Michigan was expected to end at 12:15 p.m. Friday, as winds were expected to shift from the north/northeast to the north/northwest, according to the National Weather Service.

However, the alert could be pushed further into Friday if the hazardous air lingers around, according to the National Weather Service.

Exposure to air pollutants from the wildfire smoke can cause headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, irritated throat and increased coughing, the weather service said.

"Poor air quality can be hazardous to anyone, and it can aggravate health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease," the weather service added. "Seniors, children and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk."

The air quality was expected to significantly improve across all of Michigan on Saturday when southwest winds move into the area, according to the National Weather Service.

Widespread Sunday rain showers across the state should clear out any remaining hazy skies, according to the National Weather Service.

There are approximately 160 wildfires burning across Quebec, part of a wider group of more than 300 fires across the country that some are calling Canada's worst fire season ever.

Quebec's fire prevention agency has said high temperatures and dry conditions have contributed to the raging fire season.

Previous fires in Nova Scotia and Alberta have sent smoke into Pennsylvania, prompting air quality warnings.