Lansing Emergency Management

07/27/2026

📱 Don't rely on just one way to receive weather warnings. Layer your notifications!

Use multiple trusted sources so you receive warnings as quickly as possible:
✅ Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your cell phone
✅ Download a trusted weather app with notifications enabled
✅ Keep a NOAA Weather Radio nearby
✅ Sign up for RAVE Alerts for local emergency notifications
✅ Follow your local source for information.. i.e. US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan, Ingham County Emergency Management, City of Lansing, Michigan - Government, an us Lansing Emergency Management on social media for updates.

Having multiple ways to receive warnings can provide valuable extra minutes to take shelter and protect yourself and your family. Stay weather aware throughout the day, monitor changing conditions, and be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued.

07/27/2026

⛈️ 7/27 Weather Update

The potential for strong to severe thunderstorms continues this afternoon and evening across the Lansing area, with the greatest threat is expected between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Potential hazards we should prepare for are as follows:
🌪️ Isolated tornadoes
💨 Damaging wind gusts
🧊 Large hail
🌊 Heavy rain that could lead to localized flooding (especially in urban areas and places with poor drainage)

07/17/2026

Why does wildfire smoke smell unusual? Wildfire smoke that’s traveled hundreds of miles in the atmosphere won’t smell the same as campfire smoke and there’s science behind why…

Chemical reactions within the smoke take place over time. Sunlight and oxygen change the composition of the smoke, causing the smoke to smell differently.

07/17/2026

⚠️ AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR LANSING

The Lansing area is currently experiencing Hazardous (AQI 377) air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

This level of air pollution can affect everyone—not just sensitive groups. Residents should take immediate steps to protect their health.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Severe or persistent coughing
Dizziness or confusion

07/16/2026

⚠️ AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR LANSING

Currently, portions of Lower Michigan are experiencing moderate to major heat risk, increasing the potential for heat-related illness and respiratory issues. Check Michigan Wildfire Smoke & Health - to access the MDHHS Environmental hotline and other resources.

What You Should Do:

Stay indoors whenever possible.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Run air conditioning on recirculate.
Reduce or postpone outdoor activities.
Wear a properly fitted N95 mask if you must be outside.
Check on neighbors, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Severe or persistent coughing
Dizziness or confusion

Current forecasts indicate conditions may begin improving late Friday as winds shift from the southwest, but residents should continue to monitor official updates.

Stay safe, Lansing.

07/16/2026

Before spending time outdoors, check the latest conditions. Monitor heat risk at NWS HeatRisk.

07/16/2026

Monitor air quality at EPA AirNow. All you need is the name of your city or zip code and you can monitor your local air quality.

AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views.

07/16/2026

Because of wildfire smoke and weather conditions in the Great Lakes region, many states are experiencing widespread air quality alerts. Visit EPA's AirNow website, download the AirNow app, or reach out to your state environmental agency for localized information where you live. www.airnow.gov

07/16/2026

{UPDATED POST ABOVE}

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 16 and July 17, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke.

Concentrations will be in the Hazardous range.

This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert

Plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to drift across the region. Elevated fine particulate due to the smoke will continue through Friday. Everyone should seek cleaner air indoors and keep activity levels low. While indoors, take action to improve the indoor air quality such as:
 closing windows and minimize opening of doors
 if HVAC systems are not equipped with MERV-13 filters or higher, use portable air cleaners
 avoid activities that make indoor air quality worse: burning candles, using vacuums without a HEPA filter, using gas stoves more than necessary, smoking, spraying aerosol products

If you must be outdoors for short periods of time:
 Wear an N95 or P100 respirator marked with “NIOSH.” The respirator should fit tightly, collapse as you breathe in and not let air in from the sides. Instructions for fitting a respirator mask properly can be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-11/documents/respiratory_protection-no-niosh-5081.pdf
 Do not use masks for children under age 2.

For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site:
Michigan.gov/MiAir

For further health information, please see MDHHS’ Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke

07/16/2026

Air Quality Update: Smoke is anticipated to persist across the state through Friday, prompting Michigan EGLE to extend the Air Quality Alert until Friday evening.

Pollutant levels are expected to range from Very Unhealthy to Hazardous. However, conditions may improve later on Friday as southwest winds pick up.

If you experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, move indoors to cleaner air.

Check on neighbors, family members, and anyone without access to air conditioning.