The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that wildfire smoke contains dangerous pollutants in the form of fine particles known as PM 2.5 that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Short-term exposure can lead to bronchitis, worsen asthma and create other health issues.

A haze of Canadian wildfire smoke can be seen over Grand Rapids, Mich. on June 5, 2025. The air quality index was above 151, indicating unhealthy air quality. Health experts say exposure to the smoky air can have short- and long-term health consequences. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Wildfires scorching several Canadian provinces have driven at least 33,400 people from their homes, with smoke now reaching all the way to Europe.

An air quality index of 300 or higher is considered hazardous, and the record-breaking smoke AQI in Grand Portage reached 800 on Tuesday.

From the Keweenaw Peninsula to the Mackinac Bridge and areas across lower Michigan, blankets of haze from Canadian wildfires could be seen throughout the week.

Winds from the northwest will pull wildfire smoke back into Minnesota skies over the weekend, as well a chance for rain Saturday afternoon.

A "wall of dust" is heading toward Florida and could hang around until the weekend. Saharan dust helps prevent hurricanes from developing or strengthening and provides some vivid sunrises and sunsets.

On Wednesday, it was the Mackinac Bridge’s turn to disappear behind a plume. The Mackinac Bridge Authority cameras showed the 5-mile-long span appearing to fade away behind a wall of wildfire smoke. The photo the MBA shared on social media showed the bridge’s first tower, but nothing beyond it. The photo was taken around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.