The Illinois EPA issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day amid smoke from a large number of wildfires in Canada filling the northern Illinois area, causing unhealthy air quality. | Screengrab
By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner
Officials say wildfire smoke from Canada is filling the Chicagoland area and an air quality alert has been issued, with air quality levels over 300 in Lake County as people are being urged to limit outdoor time.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for Thursday for the Chicago area, including Rockford.
The Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day is declared due to a forecast of unhealthy-red category particulates or ozone and is in effect until midnight Thursday.
Northern Illinois is on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke moving in from the north and cleaner air to the south, the alert said.
“There is some uncertainty in how far south the smoke progresses and the duration of the poor air quality as this dividing line may meander in and out of Northern IL through Friday,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
The Illinois EPA issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day amid smoke from a large number of wildfires in Canada filling the northern Illinois area, causing unhealthy air quality. | Screengrab
Those with air quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check current NowCast readings.
Everyone should reduce prolonged activities or heavy exertion outdoors on Thursday, the alert said.
Report continues here.
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