Peoria, Illinois – Air quality across northern Illinois is expected to worsen Wednesday as wildfire smoke settles near the surface behind a passing cold front, posing health concerns for sensitive groups from Galesburg to Rockford.
According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the National Weather Service in Lincoln, lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires will be drawn downward today, significantly degrading air quality across the northern third of the state. Cities including Peoria, Galesburg, and the Chicago suburbs are under an “orange” air quality alert — a level considered unhealthy for older adults, young children, and people with heart or lung conditions.
Conditions may persist into Thursday, with winds keeping smoke trapped near the ground. Residents are urged to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, especially during peak afternoon hours. Those with asthma or COPD should stay indoors with filtered air and limit outdoor activity.
Communities in the orange and red zones on the air quality index map should monitor for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. Schools and outdoor workers may need to adjust schedules.
More air quality updates are expected later Wednesday as conditions evolve with the passing front.
