Milwaukee, Wisconsin– Smoke from Canadian wildfires is still covering Wisconsin, and the air quality will stay unhealthy for some groups until at least noon Saturday. There is an Air Quality Advisory in effect for many cities, such as Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Fond du Lac, because the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have risen to levels that are harmful to children, the elderly, and people who already have heart or lung problems.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) sometimes goes from Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) to Red (Unhealthy), especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This means that all counties are still at risk. Conditions will stay dangerous even though they got a little better Thursday because of the thick smoke being carried by persistent northerly winds. People who have asthma or heart disease should limit their time spent outside. To stay healthy, people should close their windows, use air purifiers, and stay inside as much as possible.
From Madison to Sheboygan, the effects are felt, and school activities, summer camps, and work outside may have to be pushed back. Things should get better over the weekend, but health warnings could be extended if the smoke stays or gets worse. As needed, updates will be made, and people in the area should check airquality.wi.gov for the most recent warnings.
Air Quality Alerts will stay in effect until at least noon on Saturday. If smoke stays, more advisories may be issued.
Five Day Forecast for Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
- Saturday: Areas of smoke, sunny, high near 77°F.
- Sunday: Areas of smoke, high near 80°F, gradually improving overnight.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 81°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 81°F.
- Wednesday: Partly cloudy, highs in the low 80s.
- Thursday: Slight chance of showers, partly cloudy, highs mid-80s.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F.
