CHICAGO — As wildfire smoke continues to drift south from Canada, Chicago’s air quality remains at “unhealthy” levels, prompting extended warnings from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and health officials for sensitive groups to stay indoors.
Air Pollution Alert Extended As Smoke Stagnates
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Doom, the Illinois EPA has issued another “air pollution action day” for Saturday, as smoke-laden air refuses to budge from the region. The previous alert, issued Thursday, had already spanned Northern and Central Illinois and Northwest Indiana, remaining active through midnight Friday.
“The air quality is not necessarily worse, but it’s just not improving all that much either. It’s just remaining stagnant,” said Doom.
The lingering smoke is being carried by northeasterly winds, keeping fine particulate matter suspended in the lower atmosphere. While southern winds have slightly cleared conditions higher up, pollution near ground level remains elevated, especially along the lakefront and dense residential areas.
Health Risks For Sensitive Groups Remain High
Much of the Chicago metro area’s air remained “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Friday, with warnings targeting individuals with asthma, respiratory illness, and cardiovascular conditions. Officials are urging vulnerable residents to:
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Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
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Shorten time spent outdoors
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Consult updates on air quality at AirNow.gov
The wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger serious health effects, particularly for children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.
Record-Breaking Rankings In Global Air Quality Index
Chicago has recently been ranked among the worst cities globally for air quality:
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The Weather Company, which owns the Weather Channel, listed Chicago as having the ninth-worst air quality worldwide among cities with over 4 million people.
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IQAir, a Swiss air technology firm, ranked the city 10th most polluted worldwide. At the time of ranking, Detroit held the top spot for worst air quality.
Rare Multi-Day Alert Issued
Doom noted it’s rare for the EPA to issue back-to-back air quality alerts. Typically, alerts are made day-by-day based on forecast models and real-time sensor data.
“I cannot recall a time they’ve ever issued an alert for more than one day at a time,” Doom said.
Whether an alert will be extended into Sunday remains uncertain, with updated guidance expected Saturday depending on how conditions shift.
Outlook: Relief May Come After The Weekend
While wildfires remain unpredictable, meteorologists suggest improvement in air quality is expected after the weekend. The long-term forecast remains dependent on shifting wind patterns and containment of Canadian wildfires, which have impacted air quality across the Midwest and Northeast for weeks.
Have you or your family been impacted by Chicago’s wildfire-related air quality issues? Share your experiences and tips for staying safe in the comments below on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
