Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Sheboygan are all under a poor air quality alert from noon to 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The air quality index is expected to reach the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to even the generally "unhealthy" level throughout the afternoon and evening, NWS says.

The National Weather Service has issued both a heat and air quality alert for most of downstate New York, Wednesday, July 16.

The DEC has issued an air quality health advisory for most of upstate New York due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air.

An air quality alert was issued by the National Weather Service in Milwaukee-Sullivan at 9:26 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission issued an air quality alert July 15, 2025, for central Ohio, including Columbus, citing high ozone pollution.

Besides temperatures feeling in the high 90s, Chicago and surrounding areas are under an air quality alert until midnight, weather officials said.

Sensitive groups are advised to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities as pollution and ozone levels spike to unhealthy levels due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

With various air quality indexes available, and as wildfire smoke becomes an increasing health risk, here’s what often goes into the decision to play sports or not — and how to make sense of air quality indexes when making your own decision.