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Chicago air quality is the worst in the world, data shows
NBC 5 Chicago • • nation
Key Points:
- Chicago currently has the worst air quality of any major city worldwide, with an AQI of 402, classified as "hazardous" by experts, according to IQAir data from Thursday afternoon.
- The poor air quality is primarily due to wildfire smoke from fires in Canada and northern Minnesota, which has spread over Chicago and other Midwestern cities.
- The National Weather Service has extended the air quality alert for Chicago until at least Friday afternoon, and the Illinois EPA advises residents to stay indoors to avoid health risks.
- The hazardous conditions have led to the cancellation of major events, including the Chicago Fire soccer game against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
- Forecast models suggest the smoke may begin to dissipate Friday afternoon, but air quality concerns will likely persist beyond that time.
