CHICAGO — The smoky haze hanging over the city isn’t going away just yet. As Canadian wildfires continue to burn, air quality across the Chicago area remains under alert — with officials warning the smoke may linger into the weekend.
Air Quality Alerts Continue
The National Weather Service extended its air quality alert through at least Friday night, with health officials closely monitoring the situation. On Thursday, Chicago recorded some of the worst air quality in the world, according to data from AirNow, the federal air monitoring platform.
Levels of fine particle pollution reached the “unhealthy” category, triggering public health recommendations for residents to limit time outdoors.
Health Risks and Safety Guidelines
Local officials are urging extra caution — especially for people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation are more likely during these events, even for healthy individuals.
The NWS is advising residents to:
- Limit prolonged outdoor activity
- Remain indoors and close windows
- Use air purifiers where possible
- Delay refueling and avoid lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
- Combine errands or carpool to reduce emissions
These steps help minimize exposure while reducing additional stress on the region’s already-compromised air quality.
How Long Will the Smoke Stay?
There’s no clear end date yet. Forecasters say northerly winds will continue to push smoke down from Canada, and while surface-level smoke may decrease, hazy skies could persist through Saturday or beyond.
Forecast models suggest elevated pollution could remain a concern through the weekend, depending on wind shifts and fire activity in Canada. The dense surface smoke seen Thursday may thin out, but the atmosphere will likely remain affected.
Warmer Weekend Ahead
As the haze continues, temperatures are also on the rise. Saturday’s forecast calls for upper-70s, with Sunday reaching into the low-80s. By late next week, the area could approach 90 degrees, potentially compounding the discomfort for residents sensitive to poor air quality.
Track Your Neighborhood’s Air Quality
Residents can track real-time air conditions using ZIP code search tools on AirNow and detailed sensor maps available through the AirNow Fire platform. These resources help pinpoint local pollution levels and offer forecasts for the days ahead.
Both tools are being used widely during this smoke event, especially in neighborhoods where asthma and heart disease are more prevalent.
Have you or your family been affected by the recent air quality alerts? Share your experience and tips for staying safe on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
