Eagle River, Wis. – Wildfire smoke from Canada is set to push into northwest Wisconsin by 6 a.m. Thursday, triggering an Air Quality Advisory for much of the region and prompting health warnings for vulnerable residents.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy levels throughout the day. The affected area spans from Ashland and Barron counties down to Vilas and St. Croix, including cities like Eagle River, Lac Du Flambeau, and Superior.
The smoke plume will reach the Duluth-Superior corridor by mid-morning and drift southeast throughout the day, hitting an Eau Claire-to-Rhinelander line by midnight. Friday could bring worsening air across northern Wisconsin as the smoke continues to spread south.
Residents with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory issues are urged to stay indoors, limit physical activity, and keep medications accessible. All residents should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
The DNR plans to update its advisory Thursday afternoon based on evolving smoke models. Air quality may remain poor into Saturday, especially if lingering smoke is trapped before southerly winds shift conditions.
🗓 Five-Day Weather & Air Quality Outlook – Eagle River, WI
- Thursday: Air Quality Alert (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups); high 78°F, hazy skies
- Friday: Lingering smoke; highs near 81°F, low visibility possible
- Saturday: Partial clearing, but haze may return; high 82°F
- Sunday: Southerly winds may bring relief; high 84°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny, improved air quality; high 86°F
Stay updated at airquality.wi.gov for real-time conditions.
