Heat, poor air quality prompt changes to outdoor activities across Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Smoke from large wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Canada is impacting Wisconsin.
An air quality alert has been issued across the entire state until noon Thursday.
The extreme heat, combined with the air quality advisory, isn't making it easy for those trying to enjoy the outdoors.
"We have to adjust. Safety is our number one importance to our members here, and so yes, we know that people can run a 5K, but we don’t want to force a lot of these people to do that," said Patrick Chaves, the founder of Buena Tierra Run Club.
What was set to be a 5K run at Zocalo Food Park turned into a one-mile fun run because of the high temperatures and smoky air.
"We are relentless even with the weather we have today," said Chaves. "We’re still all out here. There’s about 200 to 300 people just today."
The conditions brought challenges for runners, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
"I definitely feel it, so that’s a big concern for everybody that is running today."
Chaves, who organized the run, says it's not always about going the extra mile — it's about taking precautions.
"I’m asthmatic, so if you have asthma, use that inhaler, run indoors if possible because of the heat," said Chaves. "Hydrate with electrolytes, with water, water with electrolytes."
Sara Lowe, a nurse practitioner with Children's Wisconsin, echoed those thoughts, saying the heat combined with poor air quality can be a dangerous mix.
"We are very worried that the combination of the heat this week along with the wildfire smoke coming in from Canada and Minnesota can trigger our patients' asthma," said Lowe.
She says it's best to avoid the outdoors if possible, but if you have to go outside, make sure you have all your necessary medications and listen to your body.
"If you need to go outdoors, the best time of day is going to be early morning or late in the evening, outside of that peak heat of the day."