Madison, Wisconsin – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing much of the Midwest on Thursday, prompting widespread air quality alerts and urging residents across Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio to take precautions—especially children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, particulate pollution (PM2.5) has reached “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” across northern and central counties, including La Crosse, Wausau, Eau Claire, and Green Bay. The advisory remains in effect until noon Thursday, with dense smoke mixing down to the surface.
In Indiana, the Department of Environmental Management has extended ozone-related Air Quality Action Days through midnight Thursday for counties from Indianapolis to Richmond and Bloomington. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to avoid outdoor exertion and reduce emissions by carpooling or delaying fuel-intensive activities until after 7 p.m.
Central Ohio—including Columbus and Newark—and parts of southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky are under similar ozone advisories until 10 p.m. Thursday, with stagnant air and high temperatures driving pollution levels higher.
In Minnesota, the Pollution Control Agency warns that PM2.5 levels will remain elevated through 11 p.m. Thursday, impacting areas from Duluth to the Twin Cities. Rain may help, but smoke is expected to linger due to a stalled front.
Residents are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity, use air purifiers indoors, and check local air quality maps. Additional advisories may follow as conditions evolve.
