The first weekend of the Wisconsin State Fair means lots of fried food, carnival rides, loud music and — thick white smoke in the air?
What would otherwise be a pleasant weekend in southern Wisconsin is being blanketed by Canadian wildfire smoke, said Taylor Patterson, a meteorologist with the Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service.
Milwaukee has seen poor air quality conditions this week — even the worst in the world — that will linger through Aug. 2 and 3.
Patterson said air quality conditions on Aug. 2 are going to be elevated for groups sensitive to smoke, such as those with asthma, heart or lung conditions.
The morning air quality is moderate, but Patterson said meteorologists are expecting an additional push of smoke in the afternoon and into the evening. This lingering smoke, which may arrive from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., will create an air quality that is sensitive for all groups.
Patterson said Aug. 3 could see slight improvement and moderate conditions similar to the morning of Aug. 2. She said southerly and easterly winds will return, keeping wildfire smoke to the north in Wisconsin. But, these winds will be light, meaning smoke may take a long time to clear out.
Fairgoers: pay attention to how you feel
As for sensitive fairgoers this weekend, Patterson said it’s important to keep tabs on your health. If you’re breathing harder than normal and feel like you’re struggling to be outside, that’s a sign to spend some time indoors and catch your breath where there’s air filtration.
“Just pay attention to how you’re feeling, especially outside in the sun, drinking and having fun,” Patterson said.
Patterson said the average person won’t likely feel much effect from the wildfire smoke this weekend but may feel lung agitation. But even those who aren’t sensitive to poor air quality should monitor heart rate and breathing while spending time outside, she said.
Mild temperatures and sunny skies
Wildfire smoke aside, the weather in Milwaukee looks enjoyable this weekend.
Aug. 2 will be mostly sunny with a high around 78 degrees, according to an NWS forecast. The night will be clear, with a calm breeze and a low of 60 degrees.
As for Aug. 3, it will be sunny with a high near 82 degrees and a slight breeze in the afternoon.
See air quality in your area
See the live map below to track air quality in your area. Green indicates good air quality, while yellow is moderate and orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
How to check the air quality in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has interactive air quality maps that show the AQI and any active advisories by county. You can view them on the department’s website or type in your ZIP code into the AirNow.gov website to view air quality in your area.
Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Will wildfire smoke be a concern for first weekend of the State Fair?
