Springfield, Illinois – Wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada is expected to blanket portions of central Illinois by late Monday afternoon, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and potential health impacts — especially for people with respiratory conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the smoke will move in through the afternoon and may linger into the evening, with the densest concentrations expected near the surface in cities like Springfield, Decatur, and Bloomington-Normal. Air quality may decline quickly, particularly for individuals sensitive to pollution, including children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart disease.
The smoke layer may create a milky or orange-gray hue in the sky and could obscure visibility on roadways like I-55 and I-72. Outdoor activities may become uncomfortable, and local schools or sports programs could choose to modify schedules. Health officials recommend limiting time outdoors, using N95 masks if needed, and keeping indoor air clean by closing windows and running filtered ventilation.
This is the second time in a week that smoke has reached the area, part of a broader plume drifting across the Midwest from wildfires burning in western Canada.
The smoky conditions are expected to ease overnight, but more waves of smoke are possible later this week. Check airnow.gov or local alerts for updates.
