La Crosse, Wis. – Unhealthy air is expected to blanket northwest Wisconsin by midnight Monday, as wildfire smoke from Canada surges into the state, triggering an air quality advisory for more than 30 counties.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PM2.5 pollution levels will reach the Unhealthy category starting late Monday and continue through at least noon Tuesday. The thickest smoke is expected between midnight and 3 a.m. near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, gradually pushing southeast during the day. A broader statewide advisory is likely to follow for Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.
Residents in La Crosse, Hayward, Eau Claire, and Superior may see visibility drop and feel symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Sensitive groups—especially those with asthma or heart conditions—are urged to stay indoors, limit physical activity, and keep medications nearby.
This marks one of the season’s first major smoke events, with PM2.5 levels potentially spiking into the Very Unhealthy range. Schools and daycares may consider modifying outdoor activities on Tuesday.
The DNR plans to update advisories by noon Tuesday as smoke continues to spread southeast. Stay tuned to airquality.wi.gov for live updates and health recommendations.
