The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced an air quality advisory that will be in effect starting Saturday and lasting until noon on Monday. The advisory indicates that the air quality index (AQI) is expected to fall within the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) to Unhealthy range.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities over the weekend, particularly those in sensitive groups, such as individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly. The DNR recommends that sensitive individuals reschedule or move their activities indoors.
The advisory is triggered by smoke from Canadian wildfires, which is projected to affect Wisconsin throughout the weekend. Initial impacts are forecasted to reach northwestern counties as early as midnight Friday, with the air quality deteriorating in central Wisconsin by Saturday afternoon and further spreading to southeastern areas by late Saturday. The DNR notes that the most severe smoke concentration is expected in northern regions, which may experience periods categorized as Very Unhealthy.
For further information regarding this advisory, residents can visit the Wisconsin Air Quality Monitoring Data site.
This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of wildfires on air quality and the importance of staying informed and prepared, especially for those who may be most affected.