Wildfire Smoke Could Cause Unhealthy Air In Southern WI Saturday: DNR

WISCONSIN — An air quality advisory goes into effect across Wisconsin from noon Friday until noon Saturday as western Canadian wildfire smoke could create unhealthy air for sensitive groups or worse, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Authorities expect air quality to range from unhealthy to sensitive groups to some scattered areas reaching the unhealthy level. The northwest counties in Wisconsin can expect the smoke around Friday afternoon and evening, the DNR said.

The heaviest smoke impacts are expected in the southern half of the state by early Saturday morning. The DNR encouraged people to close all windows and doors during heavy smoke, especially overnight, to prevent the smoke from entering homes and buildings.

Wisconsin saw significant wildfire smoke in late June with some areas reaching hazardous levels of air quality. Officials, however, said this event will not be as prolonged or severe as the wildfire smoke in late June.

During the advisory, the DNR said people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, people who are pregnant and those who work outdoors should consider avoiding prolonged or heavy exertion while others should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.

"If the Air Quality Index reaches the red Unhealthy level, sensitive groups should consider moving events inside, and everyone else should consider avoiding heavy exertion. During the advisory, watch for symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath as a sign to take a break or move indoors," the DNR wrote.

You can monitor air quality conditions in Wisconsin through the DNR’s Air Monitoring page.