MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide air quality advisory through noon Friday, July 17, 2026, as fine particle pollution from smoke pushes air quality into dangerous ranges across much of the state.

The advisory warns that PM2.5 air quality levels are expected to reach the Unhealthy to Hazardous categories, with widespread Very Unhealthy to Hazardous conditions observed nearly statewide as of Thursday morning.

State officials said cleaner air was present early Thursday in parts of far southwest Wisconsin, including portions of Grant, Lafayette and Crawford counties. A boundary between cleaner and smokier air was expected to shift during the day before moving back southwest overnight into Friday morning.

Forecasters expect smoke to begin clearing from west to east on Friday as southerly winds increase ahead of an approaching weather system. However, the DNR said the advisory could be extended for eastern Wisconsin, especially areas affected by Lake Michigan, and for areas along Lake Superior where smoke may linger longer.

Health precautions

Residents in sensitive groups are urged to stay indoors, keep activity levels light and take steps to keep particle levels low 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. The DNR advises everyone to avoid all physical activity outdoors while conditions remain hazardous.

Published on: Jul 16, 2026 at 11:27 am