Madison, WI – Dense wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada has triggered extensive air quality advisories across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and parts of Nebraska and Ohio, prompting health warnings for millions of residents.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state is under an Air Quality Advisory through noon Wednesday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). All 72 Wisconsin counties are included in the alert, with the Air Quality Index expected to reach “Unhealthy” levels — and even “Very Unhealthy” in isolated areas.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has also issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through 6 a.m. Thursday. Officials warn that intermittent heavy smoke is expected to move through the state, raising particulate levels to ranges considered hazardous for sensitive groups and potentially unhealthy for the general population.
Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency has issued similar advisories, with the central and northern portions of the state under a Red-level alert until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Northeastern Minnesota is experiencing some of the most hazardous conditions, with the AQI reaching the Purple “Very Unhealthy” category.
Eastern Nebraska, including the Omaha and Lincoln areas, is also under alert until midnight Wednesday. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy notes air quality conditions are expected to worsen this afternoon into the night.
Smoke arrival times vary, with southern Wisconsin cities like Janesville and Sheboygan seeing conditions worsen overnight, and Kenosha impacted by early Wednesday morning. Clearing is expected to begin late Tuesday night in parts of northwest Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Officials urge residents, especially those with heart or respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and outdoor workers, to reduce prolonged outdoor activity and remain indoors when possible.
For real-time air quality updates, visit https://airquality.wi.gov or the EPA’s AirNow.gov.
