MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory for much of eastern Wisconsin due to elevated ozone levels expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange AQI) category through 11 p.m. Thursday.
The advisory includes counties from Door and Brown counties south through Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties, as well as many inland communities including Appleton, Oshkosh, Waukesha, West Bend and Fond du Lac.
Forecasters say ozone concentrations will increase during the afternoon and evening hours under warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. Areas near Lake Michigan could see even higher ozone levels, with brief periods of Unhealthy (Red AQI) conditions possible within the lake breeze from Sheboygan south to Kenosha.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The advisory is especially important for:
- Children and older adults
- People with asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Anyone sensitive to air pollution
Health officials recommend avoiding prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon and evening when ozone levels are highest.
Recommended Precautions
Sensitive groups should:
- Limit long or intense outdoor activities.
- Schedule outdoor exercise during the morning hours.
- Consider moving activities indoors.
People with asthma should:
- Follow their asthma action plan.
- Keep quick-relief medication readily available.
Everyone else should:
- Reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.
- Take more frequent breaks if working or exercising outdoors.
Ozone levels are expected to improve overnight as temperatures cool and atmospheric conditions become less favorable for ozone formation.
Residents can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and follow our forecast page for conditions.
