Flash Flooding Risk Continues in Texas; Wildfire Smoke Impacts in the East

Widespread, life-threatening considerable flash flooding is expected in south-central Texas through at least Friday. Catastrophic river flooding and rapid rises on small streams, arroyos, and typically dry washes are expected in the Texas Hill Country. Wildfire smoke is impacting air quality across much of the Great Lakes region into the Northeast U.S. with Air Quality Alerts in effect. Read More >

Heat And Humidity Into This Weekend

Poor Air Quality With Smoke Thursday And Beyond

A Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening for all of southern Wisconsin, with heat index values of 98 to 104 degrees. Cooler values with onshore winds are expected near Lake Michigan. Heat and humidity will remain into this weekend, with cooler conditions near Lake Michigan with onshore winds at times. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has trended temperatures down for Thursday and may do so again Friday. There are 20 to 30 percent chances for showers and storms each afternoon Thursday into Saturday, with gusty winds and cloud-to-ground lightning the main hazards with any storms. Continue to practice heat safety!

The Wisconsin DNR has issued an Air Quality Advisory until at least Noon CDT on Thursday, July 16, 2026 for Canadian wildfire smoke. This will likely be extended into Friday or beyond, depending on how long the wildfire smoke lingers across the area. In addition, there is some uncertainty with how far to the southwest the smoke will spread into the area into Thursday. The air quality Thursday is expected to reach the Very Unhealthy (purple) category for all groups across most of the area, with Unhealthy For All Groups (red) in far southwest Wisconsin. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone with Very Unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups. Prepare for the smoke impacts into Thursday and beyond.

Flash Flooding Risk Continues in Texas; Wildfire Smoke Impacts in the East

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