A gray haze settled over much of Wisconsin on Thursday, July 16 as Canadian wildfire smoke worsened air quality across the state.
The statewide air quality alert that went into effect Tuesday, July 14 was extended until noon Friday, July 17. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials expect the alert to be extended once more for the eastern part of the state, especially counties along Lake Michigan.
As of 7 a.m. Thursday, roughly half of Wisconsin was in the “very unhealthy” Air Quality Index category, which means the risk of health effects is increased for all populations. At that level, most people should limit or avoid outdoor activity, especially anyone especially sensitive to air pollution.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Wagner told the Journal Sentinel that relief from the smoke could still be a few days away. Wisconsin needs a southerly wind pattern to push smoke back north, but the forecast isn’t favorable, he said.
“Models are telling us this should stick through the weekend,” Wagner said. “These northerly wind patterns are typical for this time of year, and they might bring even more smoke down to the surface. If we want relief soon, the fires need to stop.”
Thunderstorms could help alleviate smoky conditions in southwest Wisconsin by Friday, July 17. A warm front will clear some of the surface smoke out from the Madison area and farther west, but the rest of the state won’t get that benefit, he said.
Another cold front arriving Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21 could tack even more smoke to the Wisconsin surface, Wagner said. That could potentially push any possibility for significant relief out to Wednesday, July 22.
What is the air quality in Wisconsin on Thursday, July 16?
Here’s what the Environmental Protection Agency reported for local AQI levels the morning of Thursday, July 16.
How is air quality measured?
The Air Quality Index is measured using a color code system:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When will wildfire smoke leave Wisconsin? See the latest forecast
Reporting by Caden Perry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Caden Perry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
