Air quality advisory in place statewide for the weekend

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide air quality advisory for wildfire smoke that will run through the weekend.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires will settle in across the state, raising particulates in the air.

The DNR issued the advisory from noon Friday through noon Sunday. Air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, with some places reaching unhealthy for everyone levels.

Northwestern counties in the state will see the smoke arrive Friday afternoon and evening. The heaviest impacts are expected in the southern part of the state Saturday morning through Sunday. However, the DNR says that this advisory is not expected to be nearly as bad as last month’s air quality issues, which were the worst in over a decade. Last month’s air quality in cities in southeastern Wisconsin were the worst in the world at certain points due to the wildfire smoke.

An air quality advisory has been issued statewide until noon on 7/16 due to smoke originating from Canadian wildfires. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/xu5TZegLYy

— Wisconsin DNR (@WDNR) July 14, 2023

Recommendations from the DHS include reducing time spent outdoors, especially for activities, and that if you are experiencing symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, to take a break or move indoors. Children and people with certain medical conditions are more prone to health issues and should consider keeping all activities indoors. The DHS also recommends wearing a mask outdoors to help filter the particles in the air.

You can learn more about air quality and how the DNR tracks it on the DNR’s website.