An Air Quality Alert is in effect for much of the Chicago area as elevated ozone levels and wildfire smoke create unhealthy conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
The alert is expected to continue through Thursday night.
By 4:20 a.m., air quality on Chicago’s North Side and in the northern suburbs had reached unhealthy levels, the EPA reported. Conditions were even worse farther north, with areas near the Wisconsin border and into southern Wisconsin registering very unhealthy air quality.
The poor air quality is being driven in part by smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting into the region.
National Weather Service officials warned that air pollutants can trigger a range of symptoms, including headaches, eye and sinus irritation, fatigue, trouble breathing, chest pain, asthma attacks, sore throat and increased coughing.
The Chicago Park District said Thursday activities could be shifted indoors because of the hazardous air conditions.
“Chicago Park District programs may be moved indoors, have limited time outdoors, or be canceled,” the district said in an update. “The Chicago Park District reminds visitors to take precautions while enjoying our parks, beaches, pools, and facilities during these conditions.”
Health experts cautioned that the mix of heat, humidity and particle-heavy pollution may be especially risky for people with respiratory conditions.
To stay safe people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens are being advised to:
-Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
-Keep outdoor activities short
-Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
For everyone else:
-Choose less strenuous activities like walking instead of running so you don’t breathe so hard (and)
-Be active outdoors when the air quality is better.
Health experts say under the current conditions, anyone suffering from a respiratory ailment or condition – would be advised to stay indoors.
ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist Tracy Butler said there is a small chance for a few isolated storms Thursday afternoon. Butler said rain chances increase Friday afternoon and evening as well as Saturday evening.
