MADISON – A statewide air quality alert is in effect from 9:00 am Saturday, July 18, until noon Monday, July 20, as another round of wildfire smoke moves into Wisconsin and is expected to affect communities across the state.

Smoke is forecast to move in from the north-northeast throughout Saturday before settling over Wisconsin on Sunday. Statewide impacts are expected by 6:00 am Sunday, though smoke may not reach parts of southwestern Wisconsin until Saturday night.

Most areas are expected to experience Unhealthy, or Red, Air Quality Index levels for fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. The heaviest impacts are expected in northeastern Wisconsin, where Very Unhealthy, or Purple, AQI levels are possible. Southwestern parts of the state may see lower impacts, with conditions possibly reaching Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, or Orange.

Health officials urge precautions

During Very Unhealthy air quality conditions, sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity and reschedule activities for a time when air quality improves or move them indoors. Everyone else is advised to limit outdoor physical activity and go inside if symptoms develop.

During Unhealthy conditions, sensitive groups should consider rescheduling outdoor activities or moving them indoors. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans 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.

For people who are not in sensitive groups, officials recommend keeping outdoor activities shorter and less intense during Unhealthy conditions and going indoors if symptoms appear.

Published on: Jul 18, 2026 at 1:24 pm