The smoke from Canada’s ongoing wildfires have severely impacted air quality throughout the Great Lakes, extending as far east as Philadelphia by some reports.
Southeastern Wisconsin has experienced some of the worst conditions throughout the upper midwest.
According to a city by city air quality ranking, Milwaukee had the worst listed air quality for much of Thursday, July 31. Factors such as heat, humidity, and wind can all affect air quality, but the air pollutants have the greatest likelihood for creating dangerous conditions.
Air pollutants are measured by the amount of fine particles found within a 2.5 micrometer diameter. These particles are dangerous because they are so small that they can be ingested into the lungs and make their way into the bloodstream. Because of this risk, it can pose serious threats to individuals unaware of it.
In the short term, high fine particle counts can cause eye irritation, dry throats, headaches, and coughing. In the long term, it can potentially lead to respiratory illness, lung tissue damage, and strokes.
Currently, there is an air quality warning in effect throughout the state that is set to run through Friday, August 1. However, many officials have indicated that it may be extended throughout the weekend.
Allegedly, conditions will be monitored on a day by day basis, and any extensions will come as the situation progresses.
Wisconsinites have been encouraged to stay indoors and limit their exposure to the poor air, especially for young children, seniors, and those with chronic illnesses.
Canada has been experiencing one of their worst wildfire seasons on record. At the end of July, 2025 nearly 14.3 million acres of land have been burned. The only year which saw greater amounts of wildfires was in 2023, when hazy skies and air quality alerts were consistent problems across the state of Wisconsin.
Fire activities remain especially in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, although nearly every province has dealt with some degree of the fires impact.
The situation has not slowed down as the summer has progressed, either.
Earlier today, Vancouver Island had to evacuate. A state of local emergency was declared and residents were prompted to leave their homes surrounding the nearby Cameron Lake.
Many of the fires are highly ranked, leading to poor air quality the travels long distances.
