CANADIAN WILDFIRES ARE CAUSING POOR AIR QUALITY FOR MUCH OF THE AREA

Canadian wildfires are causing poor air quality for much of the area. According to the National Weather Service, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an “Area-Wide Air Pollution Action Day” for today. They say an “Area-Wide Air Pollution Action Day” is declared when weather conditions are such that “widespread ozone and or particulate levels are forecast to be at or above the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category in all or nearly all of Illinois.” Areas both inside and outside of the Action Day coverage area are likely to see smoke/particulates to a varying degree and duration today, with smoke likely decreasing from southwest to northeast through the day today. Officials say those with air quality concerns or anyone in Illinois with outdoor plans are encouraged to check current “NowCast” readings or sign up for “EnviroFlash alerts” on AirNow.gov. They say that before going outside, checking the NowCast AQI will help identify periods of both poor and cleaner air quality, regardless of the level of the daily 24-hour AQI forecast.