Air Quality Alerts Issued for California, Illinois, and Indiana Due to Pollution
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued air quality alerts for parts of California, Illinois, and Indiana, urging millions of residents to limit driving and outdoor activities. In Illinois and Indiana, ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, is the primary concern, exacerbated by hot, stagnant weather and light winds. In California's desert regions, windblown dust is the main issue, with strong winds lifting soil and sand into the air. Major population centers, including Chicago, Aurora, and Naperville in Illinois, as well as Gary and Hammond in Indiana, are affected. In California, the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, including cities like Palm Springs and El Centro, are under alert. These conditions pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. 
