Station Name: RIFLE RIVER NEAR STERLING, MI
Data Source: Water Data - usgc.gov

Elevation Above Sea Level: 669 feet

Nearest Address:
401 Melita Rd
Sterling, MI 48659
Arenac County

GPS Coordinates: 44.0725203, -84.0199939

Nearby Water Temperatures

Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 9:11AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI

Effective: Sun July 19, 2026, 9:11 AM
Expires: Mon July 20, 2026, 12:30 PM

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 19 and July 20, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. Concentrations on Sunday will range from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) in the lower peninsula to Unhealthy across the upper peninsula. On Monday USG concentrations are expected statewide. This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert. Another smoke plume has settled over the region due to wildfires in Canada. The highest levels of fine particulate will be across the upper peninsula on Sunday. We expect the increased pollution to continue into Monday; however, levels will improve during the day as our winds shift to a southerly direction. With smoke lingering across the state, ozone also has the potential to increase quickly. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as: - outdoor burning; - use of residential wood burning devices. Tips for households: - Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPAs Air Now site: AirNow.gov 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 The alert is in effect for the following Michigan counties... Midland...Bay...Huron...Saginaw...Tuscola...Sanilac...Shiawassee... Genesee...Lapeer...St. Clair...Livingston...Oakland...Macomb... Washtenaw...Wayne...Lenawee and Monroe.