Wildfire smoke is the BIG story. It has kept temperatures down, but we are still in the peak of it.
At 1 p.m., AQI (Air Quality Index) was measuring 644 in MKE. At the peak in 2023, we were at 270. To compare: in 2023, it lasted several days, then turned to minor air quality issues with milky skies for a week. This one is shorter, but more intense and arguably more hazardous. We are in the maroon color on the scale (Hazardous).
Air Quality Alert in effect until NOON FRIDAY (it was extended). At that point, a front will help to push it back NE away from WI. We will have the return of blue skies, albeit briefly. I do see a comeback of the smoke pushing back down from the NW Saturday afternoon and evening. Not sure if it'll be as bad or intense - depends on what happens with the actual fires.
WATCH: Get the latest updates on the wildfire smoke
Temps return to the 90s for Friday and Saturday. Friday features some pop-up non-severe storms that will move out into Saturday morning. It will be muggy.
Sunday the humidity drops and we go back to the 80s for a day.
Next week starts hot and humid with storms possible Monday, then scales back to the upper 70s and low 80s with low humidity Tuesday-Wednesday.
TONIGHT: Smoky skies continue
Low: 72
Wind: E turning South 5-10
FRIDAY: Smoky start with gradual dissipation. Hot and humid. Pop up t'storms in the afternoon.
High: 91
Wind: SW 5-10
SATURDAY: Early shower chances, then hot and very muggy. Potential return of wildfire smoke.
High: 90
Wind: SW to NNE 15
SUNDAY: Much cooler and less humid. Sunny.
High: 81
Wind: NNE to SE 5-10
MONDAY : Hot and muggy. Rain chances increasing.
High: 91
Wind: SW to NW 10-15
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy, sl chance
High: 82
Wind: NW to NE 10-15
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy.
High: 78
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny.
High: 82
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