Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Issues Statewide Air-Quality Advisory as Smoke Raises PM2.5 Levels
7/19/2026, 8:02:14 AM
Advisory Scope and Anticipated AQI
The advisory lists the counties of Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Vernon. Forecasts call for most of the state to experience an AQI in the Unhealthy (Red) band, with the northeastern portion potentially reaching Very Unhealthy (Purple). Some southwestern areas may see Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange). The smoke plume is projected to arrive Saturday night, intensify overnight, and achieve statewide impact by 6 a.m. Sunday.
Health Guidance for Sensitive Groups and General Public
The DNR’s recommendations differentiate between “Very Unhealthy” and “Unhealthy” conditions:
- Very Unhealthy (Purple) AQI – Sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity; people with asthma should follow their action plan and keep quick-relief medication handy; those with heart disease should monitor for palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue and contact a health-care provider if symptoms appear. Everyone else is advised to limit outdoor activity and move indoors if symptoms develop.
- Unhealthy (Red) AQI – Sensitive groups are urged to consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside and to go indoors if symptoms arise. The broader public should keep outdoor activities shorter and less intense.
Official Statement Summary
The DNR emphasizes that the advisory is precautionary, aiming to protect residents from acute respiratory irritation and cardiovascular stress linked to elevated PM2.5. The department advises continuous monitoring of local air-quality reports and urges compliance with the outlined precautions until the smoke dissipates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: For Very Unhealthy (Purple) AQI: Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.” — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Air Quality Advisory
- “People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy.” — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Air Quality Advisory
- “For Unhealthy (Red) AQI: Sensitive groups: Consider rescheduling or moving all activities inside.” — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Air Quality Advisory
- “Everyone else: Limit outdoor physical activity.” — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Air Quality Advisory
