It resembled a foggy early Thursday morning with visibility under a mile not uncommon, but that wasn’t fog. It was wildfire smoke from both Minnesota and Ontario, creating some of the most unhealthy conditions ever experienced to date in east central Wisconsin. An Air Quality Alert is in effect for Sheboygan County and much of Wisconsin until at least noon, and experts warn that it could be extended.
The pollution meter at nearby Harrington Beach State Park read 285 at 3 this morning – that’s just shy of the worst air quality category used by the DNR and National Weather Service. The “Very Unhealthy” rating comes with advice that all persons need to cut back on outdoor activities. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should avoid physical activity outdoors, while everyone else should avoid exertion and either consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them. Any increase in the smoke could generate health emergency conditions, but for now that’s not expected. However with very warm and humid conditions, open windows and fans may not be an option for those without air conditioning, and finding someplace with clean, cool indoor air may an issue faced by thousands today.
NWS Graphic
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