The Wisconsin DNR has issued an Air Quality Advisory until at least Noon CDT Thursday, July 16, 2026.

• The primary concern is wildfire smoke (PM-2.5) originating from fires in northeastern Minnesota and western Ontario.
• The latest model guidance suggests that wildfire smoke will sag southwest into southern Wisconsin tonight into Thursday, sending the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “Very Unhealthy” (Purple) level for much of the area and “Unhealthy for All Groups” (Red) levels for far southwestern Wisconsin.
• Periods of even worse air quality cannot be ruled out.
• There is some uncertainty with how far to the southwest the smoke will move into the area tonight into Thursday.
• The Air Quality Advisory will likely be extended into Friday or beyond.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by ELG21 from Pixabay.