MADISON (WKOW) — An air quality advisory has been extended for Wisconsin through Friday at noon, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday morning.
Air quality across the state has reached unhealthy to hazardous levels due to widespread PM2.5 pollution. At around 9:30 a.m., Madison's air quality was rated 359 by AirNow, which lands in the Hazardous range.
As of 7 a.m. Thursday, very unhealthy to hazardous air quality was observed nearly statewide, with cleaner air only in portions of Grant, Lafayette and Crawford counties south and west of a boundary running from Prairie du Chien to Platteville.
Health officials are urging sensitive groups to stay indoors and keep activity levels light. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
People with heart disease should watch for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue, which may indicate a serious problem requiring medical attention. Everyone is advised to avoid all physical activity outdoors.
The boundary between cleaner and polluted air may shift northeast between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, bringing temporary relief to far southwest Wisconsin. However, the boundary is expected to move back southwest overnight into Friday morning.
Clearing is expected from west to east throughout Friday as southerly winds pick up ahead of an approaching system. Much of the state is expected to be removed from the advisory at noon Friday, though eastern areas near Lake Michigan and areas along Lake Superior may see prolonged smoke impacts requiring an extended advisory.
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