Residents across southern Wisconsin are bracing for a mix of hazardous weather conditions today, as the National Weather Service in Milwaukee reports a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms later this afternoon. Adding to concerns, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory effective through tomorrow morning due to wildfire smoke pushing in from Canada. Residents are advised to prepare for potential health impacts, as PM2.5 AQI levels are expected "to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level."
The forecast indicates that the incoming cold front could bring not only rain but also scattered thunderstorms, which may turn severe with "damaging winds and large hail." Spotters are on alert, as they might quickly need to activate this afternoon and early evening. The Milwaukee/Sullivan NWS office warns, "The front will move into northeast Wisconsin Friday evening and begin clearing the air from northeast to southwest." This suggests a brief respite but residents to the southwest may continue to experience reduced air quality.
People with respiratory conditions like asthma, along with those suffering from heart disease, are particularly vulnerable and have been advised to "make outdoor activities shorter and less intense" and to "keep quick relief medicine handy," as stated by the Wisconsin DNR's advisory. The same advice extends to the general public, noting that "coughing or shortness of breath" might be symptoms indicating the effects of poor air quality, as mentioned on NWS.
Weather conditions are expected to improve by Saturday, when sunny skies will likely grace much of the affected regions, with a high near 64. Yet, the following week doesn't promise completely clear skies, with chances for thunderstorms returning by mid-week.
