Chicago Air Quality Alert Remains in Hazardous Category Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke
A hazardous-level air quality alert persists in Chicago through Friday as smoke from Canadian wildfires spreads across the region, prompting health warnings and event cancellations.
An Air Quality Alert covering the Chicago metropolitan area will stay in effect until midnight on Friday, with the region’s air quality classified as hazardous in the morning hours. Meteorologist Tracy Butler of ABC7 AccuWeather said the worst conditions are expected early in the day, with a possible improvement in the afternoon if rain and storms arrive, though she warned that rain could mix with smoke and create a lingering residue.
Butler added that air quality is likely to improve on Saturday, though a return of smoky conditions is possible on Sunday. The poor air quality has reduced visibility at O'Hare International Airport and forced the postponement of several outdoor events, including a Millennium Park music series performance and a Chicago Fire soccer match at Soldier Field. The Chicago Park District closed all beaches and outdoor pools, keeping only indoor facilities open and moving all-day camps indoors.
Health officials emphasized that the air is unhealthy for everyone to breathe. Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association advised residents to stay indoors if possible, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity until conditions improve.
"If you can see it, and you can smell it, you're breathing it in...so recommendations right now: if you don't have to go out, then stay home," Dr. Mora said.