Good morning, Saginaw.

Today, a cold front brings showers and thunderstorms to mid-Michigan starting around 7 a.m., with damaging winds up to 60 MPH plus hail up to 1 inch as wildfire smoke is expected to lower air quality later this afternoon.

Drivers in the area should follow the Move Over law on Monday, July 20 when state and local agencies, along with troopers from neighboring states, intensify enforcement from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (this campaign follows a series of recent patrol vehicle incidents).

Saginaw officials unveiled a multi-million-dollar water tower on Friday, July 17 to serve about 170,000 residents in 20 municipalities.

The tower will keep water running during power outages — a measure to prevent boil-water advisories.

Today, the Eleanor Frank Senior Center opens its doors to vulnerable seniors affected by wildfire smoke by providing free masks, water + meals and a safe indoor space until conditions improve.

A local doctor warns residents that three days of heavy wildfire smoke may harm health like cigarette smoke.

He advises staying indoors to avoid breathing tiny PM2.5 particles that can deeply affect the lungs.

State veterinarian Nora Wineland urges pet owners to monitor their animals for signs of respiratory distress during the statewide air quality alert caused by wildfire smoke, advising that vulnerable pets (birds, young animals and those with heart or respiratory issues) remain indoors and avoid strenuous exercise.