Chicago, Illinois – An air quality warning remains in effect across the Chicago metro through midnight Thursday as ozone and wildfire smoke levels climb into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions are urged to limit outdoor activity, especially along congested corridors like I-55 and I-290.
According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, stagnant conditions and light winds have caused pollutants to accumulate. The EPA has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the region, warning that sensitive individuals should avoid strenuous outdoor tasks until the alert expires tonight.
While skies remain mostly sunny and dry Thursday, cooler air arrives Friday, bringing mostly cloudy conditions and a high around 60°F. Winds from the north will offer slight relief from pollution but may not fully clear the air.
Storm risks begin to build late Saturday into Sunday. The National Weather Service notes a 20% chance of showers Saturday afternoon, with greater chances of rain and thunderstorms Sunday after 1 p.m. Travelers along I-55 and I-80 should prepare for slick roads and reduced visibility.
Sunday’s high could reach 76°F under humid and unstable air, increasing the chance for storms to persist into Sunday night. While severe weather is not currently expected, isolated heavy rainfall could lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas.
Next week starts cooler and calm. Monday and Tuesday will be mostly clear with highs in the low 70s, providing a break from the weekend’s unsettled pattern. Residents are advised to monitor air quality updates at airnow.gov and stay weather-aware heading into the weekend.
🔎 Five-Day Chicago Forecast | June 5–10
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 60°F. Air Quality Alert until midnight.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high 60°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, 20% chance of showers after 1 p.m., high 65°F.
- Sunday: Showers and possible thunderstorms after 1 p.m., high 76°F.
- Monday: Mostly clear, high 73°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 72°F.
