Chicago, IL – Smoky, hazy skies will continue to blanket Chicago through Monday morning, prompting an Air Quality Alert across the region as stagnant air traps pollutants near the surface.
According to the National Weather Service, light northeast winds will keep wildfire smoke from Canada lingering across northern Illinois, significantly reducing visibility and raising health concerns, particularly for children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions. Sunday’s high will hover around 77°F under mostly sunny skies, but haze will persist into the evening and overnight.
Residents across Cook County—including the Loop, Cicero, and Evanston—should limit outdoor activity, especially during early morning and evening hours when pollutant concentration is typically highest. Visibility may drop below five miles at times. Those commuting or exercising outdoors should consider wearing masks or moving activities indoors.
By Monday afternoon, east-southeast winds may help disperse some of the haze as temperatures climb to near 79°F, with clearer skies expected by midweek. Still, elevated ozone levels could persist in urban areas.
Air quality alerts remain in effect until at least early Monday. Additional warnings may be issued if conditions stagnate again later in the week.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 79°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 80°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny and warmer, high 83°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 86°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 90°F.
