Air Quality Advisory Extended for Eastern and Northern Wisconsin as Smoke Lingers

MADISON – An air quality advisory remains in effect for parts of Wisconsin today as fine particle pollution from smoke is expected to reach levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and, in some areas, unhealthy for the general public.

The advisory begins Friday, July 17, 2026 at noon and continues until 6:00 pm for a wide stretch of eastern, northeastern and northern Wisconsin, including Oconto County and surrounding areas.

Officials said PM2.5 air quality index readings are expected to range from the Orange category, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, to the Red category, considered unhealthy. Fine particle pollution can irritate the lungs and aggravate heart and respiratory conditions.

The counties included in the advisory are Ashland, Bayfield, Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Iron, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Shawano, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca and Winnebago.

A statewide Air Quality Advisory remains in effect until noon. Smoke is expected to clear from west to east, but eastern areas may continue to see impacts later in the day.

Health precautions

People in sensitive groups, including those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and people who are active outdoors, should consider rescheduling outdoor activities or moving them indoors. Anyone who develops symptoms should go inside.

People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine nearby. People with heart disease should watch for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue and contact a health care provider if they occur.

Everyone else is advised to keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense until air quality improves.

Smoke may linger near Lake Superior

Forecasters said it remains unclear how Lake Superior will affect smoke clearing for near-shore communities. Counties along Lake Superior are included in the advisory out of caution, though smoke impacts may be limited to areas closest to the shoreline.

The smoke may clear more quickly in some near-shore areas than the advisory suggests, but officials urged residents to monitor conditions and adjust outdoor plans as needed.

Published on: Jul 17, 2026 at 11:21 am