Air Quality Alert Extended in Chicago Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has returned to Chicago, causing air quality concerns throughout the area. Early Sunday morning, IQAir ranked Chicago's air quality as the second worst globally, with an air quality index (AQI) of 153, which falls into the 'unhealthy' range. By 11 a.m., the AQI improved to 122, placing Chicago ninth globally for poor air quality. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the Air Quality Alert through midnight Monday, warning that conditions may fluctuate between 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' and 'unhealthy for all.' Residents have reported difficulty breathing, and some are taking precautions such as wearing masks. The EPA advises monitoring air quality closely as smoke levels can change throughout the day. Source time: not specified.