Springfield, IL – Wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada is blanketing central Illinois Friday, bringing hazy skies and potential breathing issues for sensitive groups across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, near-surface smoke concentrations will increase throughout the afternoon and peak by 7 p.m., especially in counties stretching from Bloomington to Decatur. The smoke could lower visibility on roads and contribute to breathing discomfort for children, older adults, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Parts of I-55, I-72, and Highway 136 could see reduced visibility during evening commutes. Outdoor activities may become uncomfortable in cities like Champaign, Springfield, and Peoria as air quality worsens. Health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor exercise and keeping windows closed, particularly for people with asthma or heart conditions.
The sky may appear milky or grayish across much of central Illinois, with smoke lingering into tonight. This is part of a broader smoke event tied to large wildfires in western Canada, which has sent plumes of particulate-laden air across the Midwest.
Air quality could fluctuate into early Saturday depending on wind shifts. Residents are urged to monitor local air quality and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure if haze remains overnight.
