Chicago air quality update: AQI likely to stay 'unhealthy' for all as wildfire smoke returns, impacting events - ABC7 Chicago
Chicago remains under an air quality alert due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, though conditions are expected to improve slightly. Meteorologists are also tracking potential severe storms arriving in the area by Monday evening.
Why it matters
Environmental hazards like wildfire smoke pose immediate public health risks, necessitating ongoing monitoring and public safety alerts.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- An Air Quality Alert is in effect through Monday night for the Chicago area due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Many outdoor events this weekend have been impacted by the air quality.
The main concern for the Chicago area this week will be strong storms that are expected to arrive late Monday evening.
ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said that although Chicago was under "unhealthy" air quality Sunday, the plume of smoke is not as bad as Thursday.
The highest the AQI Chicago saw on Thursday was around 747; on Sunday, the area woke up to 156.
The air quality was forecast to improve as the day continued, especially overnight into Monday.
The National Weather Service extended the Air Quality Alert until Monday night for most of the Chicago area and northwest Indiana.
The wind direction changes on Monday, which could help with air quality.
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