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Air quality 'unhealthy' for most of Chicago area as smoke returns, canceling outdoor events
ABC7 Chicago • • nation
Key Points:
- An Air Quality Alert remains in effect through Sunday for the Chicago area due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, with air quality improving from an AQI of 747 on Thursday to 156 on Sunday morning.
- The National Weather Service extended the alert until Monday for parts of northwest Indiana, with changing wind directions expected to improve conditions, though smoke may return later in the week.
- Health experts warn that wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants similar to tobacco smoke, posing risks to eyes and respiratory health, and advise limiting outdoor exposure and staying hydrated.
- HVAC technicians recommend inspecting and replacing clogged air filters, and AAA suggests using vehicle air conditioning in recirculate mode to minimize smoke exposure inside cars.
- The smoky conditions have caused low visibility and potential delays at O'Hare airport, and meteorologists forecast possible severe weather and storms in the Chicago area on Monday.
