Wisconsin is bracing for another round of poor air quality this weekend as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into the region, triggering a statewide air quality advisory.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach levels considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, with some areas likely experiencing Unhealthy conditions for everyone. The advisory is in effect from 12 a.m. Saturday through 12 p.m. Monday and covers all of Wisconsin.
Northern Wisconsin to see the worst smoke
Smoke will first move into northwestern Wisconsin late Friday night, spreading into the central part of the state by Saturday afternoon, and eventually reaching southeastern counties by Saturday evening. The thickest smoke is expected in northern Wisconsin, where air quality could reach Very Unhealthy levels for short periods, meaning health effects could be serious even for people without preexisting conditions.
Central and southeast regions also affected
Central and southeastern Wisconsin won’t be spared. These areas are expected to remain in the USG to Unhealthy range, which means people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. In some cases, even healthy individuals could start to feel the effects of poor air quality.
Southwest may catch a break
The southwest corner of the state, including communities along the Mississippi River, will likely see less smoke, with conditions hovering between Moderate and USG. Still, it’s a noticeable drop in air quality compared to normal summer conditions.
Smoke lingers into Sunday, slowly clearing
PM2.5 levels—a key pollutant in wildfire smoke—will likely decrease slightly by Sunday, but air quality across the state will still range from Moderate to Unhealthy, particularly in the north. Some improvement is expected as winds shift and dispersion increases, but smoke will remain a concern throughout the weekend.
For ongoing updates and current conditions, residents can check the Wisconsin Air Quality Monitoring website.
