Heat remains high as wildfire smoke returns to Wisconsin

Tuesday was the hottest day of the year and nearly our first day in the 100s in Milwaukee since August of 2023 - over 1,000 days ago! The high temperatures officially reached 99 degrees with many other locations reaching the upper 90s. 

Humidity levels Tuesday were highest in the morning with dew points around 70 then they fell a bit in the afternoon. The falling dew points kept our feels like temps more reasonable during the peak heat of the day, but it was still very hot. Feels like temps for most communities ended up between 100-105 on Tuesday. 

While we likely don't see the upper 90s for high temps the rest of the week, it is still going to be warm with highs around 90 through Saturday before a brief reprieve on Sunday. 

Humidity levels are once again high for Wednesday around 70 for dew points this morning. They could drop again in the afternoon. Less humidity overall is expected on Thursday then dew points are expected to rise again by Friday. 

The heat advisory remains in effect on Wednesday until 8 PM for feels like temps near or above 100 degrees. While widespread 100s for peak heat index values are not expected some communities could still briefly get into those triple digits. 

Feels like temps Wednesday afternoon will depend on a lake breeze. Lakeside areas may see feels like temps in the 90s during the late morning or midday hours before a lake breeze starts to drop temps there in the afternoon. Inland areas have a better chance of seeing feels like temps in the 100s as temperatures continue to warm Wednesday afternoon. 

The other big weather story is the return of wildfire smoke. An air quality alert has been issued for the entire state of Wisconsin until Noon on Thursday and will likely be extended beyond that for at least part of the state. 

Large wildfires are currently burning in northern Minnesota and Canada and the smoke from those fires is moving our way. Wildfire smoke is expected to sink to the surface and move south during the day on Wednesday. While air quality Wednesday morning is not too bad, the smoke should reach our northern counties by Noon and reach the Illinois border by Wednesday evening. The smoke may linger most of the day on Thursday but shows some signs of improving in southern Wisconsin by Friday morning. Smoke may be thick enough where you can smell it.

Download the CBS 58 Weather to keep track of the heat and wildfire smoke.