Canadian Smoke Chokes Wisconsin: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across All 72 Counties

WISCONSIN — Air quality across Wisconsin remains a concern through at least Tuesday as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to blanket the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory, warning that fine particle pollution (PM2.5) levels will likely reach levels considered Unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for the general population.

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The advisory includes all 72 counties and affects metro areas such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Eau Claire.

"Canadian wildfire smoke will continue to impact surface air quality in Wisconsin," the National Weather Service said.

"Though significant improvements have been observed over neighboring states yesterday into this morning, a mix of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG; Orange) AQI and Unhealthy (Red) AQI is forecast again today as smoke persists over Wisconsin and continues to recirculate."

The thickest smoke is expected on Monday in northeastern parts of the state, but haze and pollution are expected to persist statewide until conditions improve.

Sensitive groups, including people with asthma, heart disease, children, and the elderly, are urged to limit time outdoors.

All residents are advised to reduce strenuous physical activity and stay inside if they experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Officials say conditions are being evaluated daily as wind patterns shift and cleaner air begins to move in from the south.

Weather outlook

According to the NWS-Milwaukee, Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 77. Smoke is expected to return overnight and linger through Tuesday morning, when skies will turn mostly sunny with a high near 78.

Wednesday looks similar, with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 81.

By Thursday, highs will rise into the mid-80s, and by Friday and Saturday, temperatures could push near 90. Storm chances increase late Saturday into Sunday, when forecasters expect a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.