Wausau, Wis. – Thick wildfire smoke drifting in from the northwest will push air quality into unhealthy territory for much of north-central and central Wisconsin beginning just after midnight Monday.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, an Air Quality Advisory is in effect from midnight through noon Tuesday for Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, and Wood counties. PM2.5 levels—fine particulate matter that poses health risks—are expected to reach levels that are “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” with brief spikes into the “Very Unhealthy” range.
Cities such as Rhinelander, Merrill, Antigo, and Wisconsin Rapids are likely to see the worst conditions between 3 a.m. and noon as the smoke front moves southeast. The advisory warns that even healthy individuals may experience irritation, while those with asthma, heart conditions, or other sensitivities should limit outdoor activity.
Officials urge residents to stay indoors with windows closed, use air purifiers if available, and reduce outdoor exertion. Children, seniors, and people with lung or heart disease should be especially cautious.
A statewide PM2.5 advisory is expected to go into effect by noon Tuesday and remain in place through Wednesday afternoon as smoke continues to spread.
