Chicago air quality update: AQI likely to stay ‘unhealthy’ for all as wildfire smoke returns, impacting events

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Chicago air quality update: AQI likely to stay 'unhealthy' for all as wildfire smoke returns, impacting events

CHICAGO (WLS) — An Air Quality Alert is in effect through Sunday for the Chicago area due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

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ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said that although Chicago is under “unhealthy” air quality, the plume of smoke is not as bad as Thursday.

The highest the AQI Chicago saw on Thursday was around 747; on Sunday, the area woke up to 156.

Air Quality Index on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The air quality is forecast to improve as the day continues, specially overnight into Monday.

The National Weather Service extended the Air Quality Alert until Monday for parts of northwest Indiana.

The wind direction changes on Monday, which could help with air quality.

Meteorologists said the smoke could make its way back to the Chicago area throughout the week.

On Monday, most of the Chicago area is under a Level 2 risk for severe weather.

Meteorologists say some mid-day showers could be expected. A cold front could bring strong storms into the Chicago area on Monday evening.

SEE ALSO | Canadian premier calls Trump’s threat to add wildfire pollution costs to tariffs ‘unacceptable’

Health impact

Health experts warned that wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants.

Dr. Soledad Cortina, a cornea specialist with the Illinois Society for Eye Physicians and Surgeons and University of Illinois Chicago Department of Ophthalmology, said the tiny particles in the smoke could have lasting health effects.

“Some of the components of wildfire are similar to those of like smoke and tobacco, and we know how damaging that is to the eyes and certain chronic conditions,” said Dr. Cortina.

Patricia Ward, the Head Scientist at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, said that weather patterns like these could continue to happen in the future.

“I think we are seeing that more and more across the U.S., North America, in general and around the world in other places too. The expectation is this climate change is going to continue to contribute more extreme weather,” Ward said.

READ ALSO | As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the US, can wearing a mask help?

Experts also cautioned that poor air quality can affect people indoors. HVAC technicians are encouraging homeowners to inspect their air filters as smoke and airborne particles remain a concern.

“Even if the filter looks white – nice, white and clean, if you hold it up to a light and you can’t see the light through it, that means that it’s clogged up,” said Karol Derezinski, a technician with Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.

AAA also recommends using a vehicle’s air conditioning in recirculate mode to reduce smoke exposure inside a car by limiting the amount of outside air entering the cabin.

The smoke and haze blanketing the Chicago area caused low visibility and was expected to create some delays at O’Hare airport.

Health experts said the air is unhealthy for everyone to breathe and are encouraging people to avoid or limit time outdoors until the air quality gets better.

“If you can see it, and you can smell it, you’re breathing it in…so recommendations right now: if you don’t have to go out, then stay home,” Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association, said.

Doctors also recommend that people stay hydrated, which can help the respiratory system in these smoky conditions.