Air Quality Advisory Extended to Southwest Wisconsin

You might've seen some photos or coverage of the putrid air quality currently plaguing major cities like Minneapolis and Chicago this week. This is due to wafting smoke from wildfires in Canada, particularly in Ontario, where more than 80 fires are raging. The result is pungent. I've been getting texts from friends and relatives in/around Chicago over the last couple days telling me how dismal it is to be outside.

When/how the wildfire smoke will impact the Tri-State area remains to be seen, especially with RAGBRAI happening statewide next week and the 73rd Annual Dubuque County Fair the following week. At present, alerts have now been issues for much of southwest Wisconsin, with the area already experiencing diminishing air quality.

READ MORE: What You Need to Know About RAGBRAI in Dubuque on July 25th

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for the following counties:

• Crawford
• Grant
• Iowa
• Lafayette

Per Telegraph Herald, the air quality index is expected to reach hazardous levels, to the point where it could be dangerous for those with certain sensitivities. Friends of mine in Chicago have described the air as smelling like a campfire, so pungent and acrid they can taste it.

In times like this, sensitives groups such as children, pregnant women, people with heart disease, or even the immunocompromised are encouraged to stay indoors and keep activity levels light. Those with asthma are encouraged to keep quick-relief medicine like inhalers and nebulizers handy. Those experiencing shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or fatigue should contact their healthcare provider or primary care physician.

Finally, in Chicago, weekend rain is on the horizon. When mixed with the smoke, there's the possibility that any inclement weather could leave behind some sludge. The present air in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York City is unhealthy for anyone to breathe, and is causing low visibility. It could even result in flight delays, disrupting summer travel for those anticipating to fly.

Get our free mobile app

Find out more about the recently issued air quality alert in southwestern Wisconsin on the Telegraph Herald's website.