Chicago, Illinois – Breathing could get harder across the Chicago area through Friday night as air quality dips into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range due to stagnant summer weather and Fourth of July pollution.
According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service, an Air Pollution Action Day is in effect for much of northeastern Illinois, including Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Will, and Kendall counties. Ozone is the primary pollutant, but smoke from fireworks may also raise fine particle pollution (PM2.5) during evening hours.
The alert covers cities such as Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, and Waukegan, where vulnerable residents—especially those with asthma or respiratory illness—are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, particularly during afternoon and early evening.
Parents should keep children indoors during peak hours, and all residents are encouraged to help reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary driving, refueling after dusk, and using electric lawn equipment when possible.
This alert spans the busiest summer travel period and July 4 festivities, adding urgency for both health and safety.
The alert remains in effect through Friday night, and additional updates may follow if air conditions worsen into the weekend.
