Wildfire Smoke Causes Air Quality Alert Across illinois, Indiana; Heatwave Forecast for This Week
CHICAGO, Illinois – A persistent haze descended upon the Great Lakes region this weekend, triggering an Air Quality Alert that remains in effect until midnight tonight for several counties across Illinois and Indiana. The alert impacts McHenry, Lake (Illinois), Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Grundy, will, Lake (Indiana), Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties, as smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada continues to drift southward.
The illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) reported Air Quality index (AQI) levels reaching the “Orange” category, indicating unhealthy air for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals wiht respiratory conditions.Dr. Maria Ramirez, a pulmonologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, advises these individuals to limit prolonged outdoor exertion and consider wearing N95 masks if venturing outside is unavoidable.
Tonight’s forecast predicts mostly clear skies with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to the mid 60s Fahrenheit. the Chicago metropolitan area and immediate lakefront are expected to experience the warmest overnight temperatures.
Looking ahead, monday will be mostly sunny, though lingering wildfire smoke may reduce visibility. High temperatures are anticipated to reach the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit. Tuesday will mirror Monday’s conditions, with a slight chance of isolated showers in the afternoon, but most areas are expected to remain dry.
A more important heatwave is forecast to arrive on Wednesday,with highs climbing into the upper 80s and approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This warming trend will continue through the weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching the low to mid 90s Fahrenheit by Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) is monitoring the situation closely and may issue Heat Advisories as conditions warrant.
Increasing humidity levels will accompany the rising temperatures, exacerbating the heat index and making conditions feel even hotter. While scattered pop-up showers or thunderstorms are possible, the most substantial chance of widespread rainfall is expected to arrive Saturday night into Sunday. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has activated its cooling center network to provide relief for vulnerable populations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general weather details and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or environmental health advice. consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns related to air quality or heat exposure.
Stay informed! Share this article with your friends and family, leave a comment below with your local conditions, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
