Air Quality Alert Issued For Milwaukee On Hot, Stormy July 4

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Fourth of July in Milwaukee is off to a stormy start, with scattered showers and thunderstorms moving through the area Friday morning. An air quality alert is also in the mix.

Rain chances are highest before 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, but most locations should dry out by early afternoon, just in time for parades, games, and fireworks.

ALSO READ: Guide: Milwaukee Celebrates July 4 With Parades, Fireworks, And Family Fun

Main Hazards Today:

• Morning thunderstorms with frequent lightning and locally heavy rain
• Heat index values are climbing to between 95 and 100 degrees by late afternoon
• Ozone-related Air Quality Alert in effect from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Air Quality Alert

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Ozone for Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties.

The alert runs from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, with ozone levels expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Precautions:

• Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity
• Take breaks and stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas
• Watch for coughing or shortness of breath
• Keep asthma medication handy if needed

Looking Ahead:

The heat sticks around into the weekend. On Saturday, heat indices are once again expected to reach the mid-90s to near 100. Thunderstorms are likely to return late Saturday through Sunday morning, with threats including gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain.

Scattered storms are also possible Tuesday through the end of next week.

What To Do Today:

• Enjoy outdoor festivities after the rain clears
• Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade
• Watch the sky and head indoors at the first sign of storms
• Be aware of air quality and heat risks, especially for young children and older adults

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Milwaukee Airport:

Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. West wind around 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 63. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 84.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79