IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day Warning for Marshall County and much of northern Indiana for Friday

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 9:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day for Friday, July 17th, covering most of Indiana — including all of North Central, Northwest, and Northeast Indiana.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to reach the Unhealthy (Red) range across the North Central Indiana region, which includes Plymouth, Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac, and surrounding communities. The Air Quality Action Day is in effect for the full 24-hour period, from midnight to 11:59 p.m.

Lingering Canadian wildfire smoke is the primary culprit. Despite evening rain chances on Friday, the smoke is expected to remain in the region throughout the day, pushing PM2.5 readings into the Unhealthy range across northern Indiana.

Sensitive individuals — including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions — are strongly encouraged to limit outdoor activity on Friday. Everyone is advised to monitor air quality conditions throughout the day.

Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to view a real-time state map of affected counties, learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended precautions, and sign up to receive air quality alerts directly.