Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued late tonight at 500 AM PDT.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for Saturday, May 18, 2024, for elevated levels of ozone in parts of west Michigan. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range. The Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the following west Michigan counties: Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Van Buren Counties Ample sunshine, light winds with a southern component, and increasing surface and upper-level temperatures, will make conditions conducive for ozone development Saturday. The areas of greatest concern are along the west Michigan lakeshore inland toward Grand Rapids. The timing of highest ozone concentrations will be during the mid-afternoon to early evening hours. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling; using gasoline powered lawn equipment; using charcoal lighter fluid. Positive activities include: driving less, telecommuting, walking or bike riding, delaying or combining errands, using water-based paints. For further information, please see EPAs Air Now site for up-to-date air quality data: https://www.airnow.gov/