Ozone Could Degrade Air Quality In WI Lakeshore Counties Wednesday

WISCONSIN — Air quality in several Wisconsin counties alongside Lake Michigan could become unhealthy for sensitive groups Wednesday afternoon amid heat and atmospheric conditions favorable for ozone production, according to the National Weather Service.

An air quality alert goes into effect noon Wednesday morning and lasts until 11 p.m. across Milwaukee, Racine, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Kenosha Counties, the NWS said. Ozone gas, a major component of smog, can cause health issues for humans and animals and has historically affected areas alongside the shoreline, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The possibility of elevated ozone levels on Wednesday comes alongside continued summer heat around southeastern Wisconsin.

Forecasters said the air quality index is set to reach a level that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, meaning people with lung disease or asthma, children, older adults and people who are active outdoors like workers should reduce extended or heavy exertion outside.

Air quality levels around Milwaukee County remained "good" by 9 a.m. Wednesday, but residents can monitor the index and possible air quality degradation through the DNR's online tracker.

Here is the NWS forecast for greater Milwaukee into the weekend ahead:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a high around 88 then partly cloudy at night.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and storms in the afternoon otherwise sunny and hot with a high around 90 then chance of storms overnight.

Friday: A mostly sunny day with a high around 81 then mostly cloudy at night.

Saturday: A partly sunny day with a high around 80 then a 40 percent chance of showers overnight.

Sunday: Showers and a thunderstorm possible after 1 p.m. otherwise mostly cloudy and a high around 80 with overall 60 percent chance of precipitation.