Is the air quality good in Detroit?
As of February 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM Pacific Time (PT), Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and a temperature inversion (1). The air quality is in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups," range.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Detroit's air quality map.
While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Detroit was 8.4 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 47, which falls into the "good" category and was 1.68 times the WHO annual guideline.
Detroit, Michigan, ranked as the 13th most polluted major city on January 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM (PT) Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Detroit?
Air quality is expected to gradually improve throughout the day, staying in the "good" range in the evening.
Hourly air quality forecast for Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Poor air quality is affecting much of the eastern United States, especially in Mid-Atlantic the Great Lakes. Communities in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are all being impacted by air quality in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range.
Air quality map of Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM (PT) Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of the Great Lakes, United States on February 6, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Detroit?
Winter temperature inversions and cold weather can result in poor air quality for a region. There are cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings on for much of the Northeastern U.S (2).
Studies have found that coal-fired power plants can be a contributing factor in poor winter air quality in Detroit and other cities in the Great Lakes. Although coal-fired power plant are mostly found south in the Ohio Valley region, there are coal plants in Michigan (3).
Explore high-performance air purifiers
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
