Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Canadian wildfire smoke continues to blanket Wisconsin, keeping air quality at unhealthy levels for sensitive groups through at least noon Saturday. Many communities, including Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Fond du Lac, are under an Air Quality Advisory, as fine particulate (PM2.5) levels spike to dangerous levels for children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory or heart conditions.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, all counties remain at risk as the Air Quality Index (AQI) rises from Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) to Red (Unhealthy) at times, especially in southern and eastern areas. The dense smoke, carried by persistent northerly winds, will keep conditions hazardous despite brief improvement Thursday. Outdoor activities should be limited, especially for those with asthma or heart disease. Health officials urge everyone to keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and stay indoors as much as possible.
Impacts stretch from Madison to Sheboygan, and school activities, summer camps, and outdoor work may be postponed. While gradual improvement is expected into the weekend, health warnings could be extended if smoke lingers or worsens. Updates will follow as needed, and residents should monitor airquality.wi.gov for the latest advisories.
Air Quality Alerts remain in effect until at least midday Saturday, with more advisories possible if smoke persists.
Five Day Forecast for Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
- Saturday: Areas of smoke, sunny, high near 77°F.
- Sunday: Areas of smoke, high near 80°F, gradually improving overnight.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 81°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 81°F.
- Wednesday: Partly cloudy, highs in the low 80s.
- Thursday: Slight chance of showers, partly cloudy, highs mid-80s.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F.
