Hazardous air quality remains from Canada wildfire smoke that filled the Chicagoland area but forecasters say conditions are improving due to winds pushing it out.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day on Thursday and again on Friday for the Chicago area, including Rockford.
The Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day was declared due to the forecast of unhealthy-red category particulates and is in effect until midnight Friday.
Northern Illinois is on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke blanketing the Great Lakes and northeast United States, the alert said.
Forecasts for 24-hour air quality index (AQI) will remain in poor categories on Friday, even though conditions may eventually improve, the alert said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said wildfire smoke continues to plague the area but improvements in visibility were expected from mid-morning Friday through early Friday afternoon as the wind direction changes and pushes smoke northeastward.
The Illinois EPA and Indiana Department of Environmental Management are maintaining the air quality alerts across the area through the evening.
Those with air quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check current NowCast readings.
Everyone was recommended to reduce prolonged activities or heavy exertion outdoors on Thursday and Friday, the alert said.
Active children, older adults and people with pulmonary or respiratory disease, such as asthma, especially should avoid prolonged activities or heavy exertion outdoors.
According to AirNow, the far eastern border of Lake County and Kenosha County registered a 558 AQI “hazardous” reading, which is the highest level possible, on Thursday. That same monitor reported a 210 AQI reading as of mid-day Friday.
A 210 AQI “very unhealthy” reading was registered in Libertyville with AQI “very unhealthy” readings of 172 to 185 in McHenry County on Friday, compared to 236 to 271 on Thursday.
The Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District said residents would notice a haze and smell of smoke, which is related to the 140+ wildfires across Canada.
The fire district said people should limit their time outside if possible, especially if they have respiratory problems such as asthma or COPD.
Residents should keep their windows closed and use air conditioning if possible.
Officials said there is no need to call the fire department for the odor or sight of the smoke. “If you see something different, such as thick, dark smoke or smoke coming directly from a house, call 911.”
The poor air quality has led to numerous public pools, events and attractions being closed in the area, including Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.