PM2.5 Air Quality Advisory for Sheboygan County Residents Until Noon Thursday, July 16

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Wisconsin DNR says the state’s PM2.5 Air Quality Advisory remains in effect until noon Thursday, July 16. DNR also says the advisory will be re-evaluated Thursday morning and extended for much of the state, with air quality expected to range from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) up to Hazardous (Maroon). Because the advisory is listed as statewide, it applies to air quality conditions Sheboygan County residents may face this morning.

Why Sheboygan County families should adjust plans

Wisconsin DHS notes that certain groups are most at risk when air quality is unhealthy—especially people with asthma or other heart/lung disease, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people, and people who are very active or work outdoors. DHS says sensitive groups should limit time outdoors, choose shorter and less intense activities, and take more breaks, watching for symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.

Quick checklist for the morning window (until noon)

• Reduce outdoor time—especially for kids, older adults, and anyone with asthma/COPD or heart/lung conditions.
• Lower intensity: replace longer, strenuous errands or outdoor workouts with indoor or lower-exertion options.
• Plan breaks: if someone needs to be outside, build in more frequent breaks and watch symptoms.
• Asthma care: follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
• If outside is unavoidable: DHS says an N95 mask can help filter fine particle (PM2.5) pollution. DNR also recommends N-95 use for wildfire-smoke exposure. (DHS notes N95 masks do not filter ground-level ozone.)

When to get medical help

If you notice heart disease symptoms (such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue), DHS advises contacting a health care provider.

What to do next

Since DNR says the advisory will be re-evaluated Thursday morning (and likely extended for more of the state), check for updates before making later outdoor plans.

Sources

• Wisconsin DNR air quality forecast text (Updated Wednesday, July 15 – 5:00 p.m.; Thursday July 16 advisory details)
• Wisconsin DHS: Outdoor Activity Recommendations for Unhealthy AQI Levels (includes sensitive-group actions)
• Wisconsin DNR: Wildfire Smoke (AQI guidance + protective steps if you must go outdoors)