Statewide air quality advisory issued through the weekend as wildfire smoke expected to blanket Wisconsin

July 18, 2026

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A statewide air quality advisory has been issued for Wisconsin through noon Monday as another wave of wildfire smoke is expected to spread across the state, bringing unhealthy air conditions to most areas and potentially very unhealthy conditions in the northeast.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said smoke moving south from the north-northeast is expected to arrive throughout Saturday before settling over the state Sunday. Air quality impacts are expected statewide by 6 a.m. Sunday.

Most parts of Wisconsin are forecast to reach the Unhealthy, or Red, category on the Air Quality Index for fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. The greatest impacts are expected in northeastern Wisconsin, where conditions could reach the Very Unhealthy, or Purple, category. Some southwestern areas may experience slightly lower impacts, with air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, or Orange, category.

Officials said the smoke may not reach the southwestern half of the state until after sunset Saturday, with overnight arrival expected in those areas.

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as air quality worsens.

For areas reaching the Very Unhealthy category, sensitive groups are advised to avoid all outdoor physical activity and move activities indoors when possible. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medication available. Those with heart disease should watch for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue and contact a health care provider if those symptoms occur.

During Unhealthy air quality conditions, sensitive groups should consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Residents with asthma or heart disease are encouraged to take the same precautions, while the general public is advised to limit the duration and intensity of outdoor activities and move indoors if symptoms develop.

The advisory remains in effect until noon Monday, when conditions are expected to improve. Residents can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts through state and local air quality reporting services.