Temporary Air Quality Relief for Wisconsin

Wisconsin is currently enduring a second day of widespread hazardous air quality, a condition caused by smoke originating from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota.

The state's air quality alert, issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is slated to remain active until noon on Friday, July 17. While the smoke is not anticipated to dissipate entirely by this time, an expected shift to southwesterly winds in the afternoon may usher in cleaner air, providing at least a temporary improvement.

As of Friday morning, July 17, much of Wisconsin is engulfed in the "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" levels of air quality on the Air Quality Index. The eastern part of the state is particularly affected, with the DNR advising all residents to avoid outdoor physical activity and sensitive groups to remain indoors.

However, this brief respite may be short-lived. Northwest winds are predicted to return on Saturday, July 18, likely reintroducing smoky air and potentially similar air quality conditions throughout the weekend. Meteorologists suggest that air quality could be comparable to what has been experienced over the past two days.

Beyond air quality, the Milwaukee area has also contended with above-average temperatures. Friday, July 17, is anticipated to be the last day for a considerable period with highs reaching the 90s. Cooler temperatures are expected for Saturday, with highs around the mid-80s, and further cooling is projected for Sunday, July 19, bringing temperatures closer to seasonal averages.

Scattered thunderstorms might occur in southeastern Wisconsin on Friday, though these are expected to be brief and isolated. A more widespread period of rain is not anticipated until Monday, July 20. It is important to note that this rain is unlikely to significantly impact air quality, which is primarily dependent on wind direction and the intensity of the wildfires.