Chicago, Illinois – Smoke from distant wildfires has prompted an air quality alert across Illinois, threatening the health of sensitive groups and pushing city residents indoors until midnight tonight. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has declared Friday, August 1 an Air Pollution Action Day as unhealthy air blankets the region.
According to the IEPA, much of Illinois—including Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, and dozens of communities from Winnebago County to Iroquois County—will see air quality index (AQI) readings in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range, with some areas hitting even higher levels. Active children, seniors, and anyone with heart or lung conditions such as asthma are urged to avoid prolonged outdoor activity.
Chicago, Evanston, Naperville, and suburbs along Lake Michigan will see haze and smoky odors persist through Friday evening. Local agencies warn against heavy outdoor exertion, especially for school sports, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses. If possible, residents should keep windows closed, run air conditioners on recirculate, and use certified air filters.
Officials ask everyone statewide to help reduce emissions by postponing lawn mowing, avoiding gas-powered vehicles, and limiting energy use. Wildfire smoke events have increased in frequency since 2021, making air pollution precautions vital.
Air quality alerts could extend into Saturday if wind patterns don’t shift. For live updates and safety tips, visit airnow.gov.
