News Summary
Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin are under an extended air quality advisory due to worsening conditions related to Canadian wildfire smoke. Initially set to expire on August 3, the advisory now lasts through noon on August 4. With an Air Quality Index of 159 categorized as ‘Unhealthy’, residents, especially sensitive groups, are advised to limit outdoor activities. Meteorologists anticipate further deterioration in air quality and health concerns are rising, prompting recommendations to stay indoors and monitor health conditions.
Milwaukee Air Quality Advisory Extended Due to Wildfire Smoke
An air quality advisory affecting Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin has been extended through noon on August 4, 2025. This extension comes as the region continues to grapple with health risks due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, which has created worsening air quality conditions.
The advisory was initially issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on July 31 and was originally scheduled to expire at noon on August 3. However, on the morning of August 3, Milwaukee recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 159, which is categorized as “Unhealthy.” At this level, health effects can begin to affect the general public.
Conditions and Recommendations
Meteorologist Aidan Kuroski indicated that air quality in Milwaukee is expected to worsen further later in the day, with the potential for poor air quality to persist into the following week. On the morning of August 3, smoke from the wildfires obscured the sunrise, leading to visibility being reduced until 6:10 a.m.
Under the air quality advisory, sensitive groups—including those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children—are specifically advised to reschedule outdoor activities. Additional protective measures include keeping windows and doors closed while avoiding activities that might increase indoor air pollution.
On August 3, Milwaukee’s temperatures were projected to reach a high of 77 degrees, with predictions of warmer weather following into the week—expected to rise into the low 80s on August 4 and 5, and approaching the upper 80s by the end of the week. Wind patterns are also expected to shift from southeasterly to southerly, which could contribute to increased humidity levels by mid-week, extending through the weekend.
Concerns and Health Effects
As of August 3, Milwaukee and Green Bay reported some of the worst air quality in the country. This degrading air quality has produced a noticeable haze over the city, resulting in diminished visibility and a milky blue sky characterized by vibrant sunrise and sunset colors. Residents have reported various health effects, such as respiratory problems, including coughing and feelings of a heavy chest.
Local healthcare facilities have noted an uptick in patients seeking care for respiratory complaints during this time. Many fair-goers at the Wisconsin State Fair have voiced their concerns regarding how the air quality may impact their health and plans for outdoor activities.
Expert Guidelines for Residents
In light of these conditions, medical experts recommend individuals monitor their sensitivity to air quality, plan outdoor activities for times when conditions are better, and ensure that quick-relief medication is readily available. Despite hopes for improved air quality conditions later in the week, authorities caution that the smoke may return as long as the Canadian wildfires remain uncontrolled.
Overall, the extension of the air quality advisory highlights the ongoing struggle that Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin face due to external factors such as wildfires, and it underscores the importance of adhering to health recommendations to mitigate risks associated with the current air quality situation.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- TMJ4 News
- Fox6 Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Quality
- Google Search: Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Wisconsin
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
