Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The smoky haze from Canadian wildfires continues to impact Wisconsin’s air quality, with the air expected to remain unhealthy for sensitive groups until at least noon Saturday. Cities including Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Fond du Lac are under an Air Quality Advisory as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels spike to dangerous levels for vulnerable individuals, such as children, seniors, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Air Quality Index (AQI) will fluctuate between Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) and Red (Unhealthy), particularly in southern and eastern areas. The smoke, carried by consistent northerly winds, will keep conditions hazardous throughout the weekend, despite brief improvement expected Thursday. Health experts are advising that outdoor activities be limited, particularly for those with asthma or heart disease. To minimize exposure, residents should keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and stay indoors when possible.
The smoke impacts stretch from Madison to Sheboygan, and outdoor events like school activities, summer camps, and work projects may face delays or cancellations. Though gradual improvement is forecasted over the weekend, air quality may worsen again, and health advisories could be extended. Residents are encouraged to check airquality.wi.gov for real-time updates.
Air Quality Alerts remain in effect until at least midday Saturday, with the possibility of further advisories if the smoke persists.
Five-Day Forecast for Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
Saturday: Areas of smoke, sunny, high near 77°F.
Sunday: Areas of smoke, high near 80°F, 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.
