Hazy, smoky skies from more than 100 wildfires burning in northern and western Ontario have moved into the Chicago area, with poor air quality expected through at least Thursday night for all of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
As of early Thursday morning, the air quality tracking website AirNow.gov showed current air quality in Chicago in the “unhealthy for all groups” red category, which ranks as level three of five. The air quality was even worse in suburbs to the north and in Wisconsin.
“Everyone should limit their time outdoors,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.
As of 5 a.m., air quality in Kenosha ranked as “very unhealthy,” which ranks as level four. PM2.5 levels were at 256, with everyone advised to stay inside.
“Most vulnerable population to these pollutants are gonna be little kids less than five years of age because they have immature airways,” Dr. Juanita Mora, allergist and immunologist with the American Lung Association said. “Lungs are still developing. Then also the older adults that have very little reserve when it comes to volume with the heat and also with these pollutant when it comes to lung function.”
Videos and photos from the Chicago area Thursday morning showed hazy, reddish-brownish skies with limited visibility, especially near the lakefront. Traffic cameras showed smoky, hazy commutes spanning from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to the northwest suburbs.
The poor air quality moved the Chicago Park District Thursday to move summer programming indoors, canceling some programs entirely.
Heat and humidity wasn’t making the air quality any better, with temperatures in the 90s expected. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Thursday also issued a “red forecast air pollution action day” due to smoke and ozone levels.
When will the smoky conditions end?
Smoke and haze was expected to linger through Friday morning, Roman said. By afternoon, it will taper. Experts suggest wearing a N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.
Friday will also see temperatures in the 90s, with some spotty storm chances. Isolated storms could also form Thursday afternoon, Roman said.
