Updated
Updated · WSAW · Jul 17
Central Wisconsin Extends Air Quality Alert Until 6 PM as Wildfire Smoke Turns Air Hazardous
Updated
Updated · WSAW · Jul 17

Central Wisconsin Extends Air Quality Alert Until 6 PM as Wildfire Smoke Turns Air Hazardous

3 articles · Updated · WSAW · Jul 17

Summary

  • 6 PM is the new end time for an Air Quality Alert covering central Wisconsin counties east of Highway 51/I-39, where very unhealthy to hazardous smoke is expected to clear last.
  • Wildfire smoke from southern Canada and northern Minnesota left locally dense haze over the region into Friday morning, though conditions are forecast to improve gradually through the afternoon.
  • Mid- to upper-80s temperatures and heat index readings in the low to mid-90s will add to Friday's discomfort before evening storms develop, with gusty winds and hail possible north of Highway 29.
  • Another smoke round is expected behind a cold front late Friday into Saturday, likely less severe than the current episode but still unhealthy early Saturday, with smoke lingering as a concern into Sunday.

Insights

How must healthcare adapt to treat seasonal wildfire smoke as a chronic illness?
With air now a health hazard, are 'clean air shelters' the next essential public utility?
A solution to curb wildfire smoke saves billions. Why are we not fully using it?