ILLINOIS — The Air Quality Alert across Illinois and Wisconsin has been extended through Friday evening, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to lower visibility and impact health across the region.
Unhealthy Air Expected to Linger
According to meteorologists, smoke aloft from wildfires has been pushed down to the surface, resulting in unhealthy air quality levels across the Upper Midwest. Visibility across parts of Illinois has dropped to 2–5 miles, and air quality readings remain in the “unhealthy” category — posing risks especially for those with asthma, COPD, or other breathing conditions.
The alert is now in effect:
- Through Noon Friday for southern Wisconsin
- Through Friday night for northern Illinois
As reported by WTVO/MyStateline, these levels could cause complications for anyone engaging in prolonged outdoor activity, even those without existing medical conditions.
Health Officials Issue Safety Guidance
Residents are being urged to:
- Limit time outdoors, especially during peak daytime hours
- Use air purifiers indoors if possible
- Wear masks if sensitive to particulate matter
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as exercise or yard work
Experts stress that even healthy individuals may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or throat irritation in these conditions.
Why the Smoke is Spreading
The dense smoke follows a cold front on Wednesday, which helped push wildfire smoke farther south into the Great Lakes region. The shift in atmospheric pressure has caused upper-level smoke to sink closer to the surface, where it can be breathed in and impact public health.
Air quality experts say conditions will likely remain poor across the Midwest through at least Friday, with lingering haze possible into the weekend — especially at higher elevations in the atmosphere.
Is the smoke affecting your family’s outdoor plans or health this week? Share your tips or concerns with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
