Chicago Chokes Under Wildfire Smoke With Air Quality Among Global Worst Jenn Jordan August 2, 2025 at 2:38 AM Chicago's air quality is considered among the worst in the world right now, thanks to thick wildfire smoke drifting southward from Canada.
- - Chicago Chokes Under Wildfire Smoke With Air Quality Among Global Worst
Jenn Jordan August 2, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Chicago's air quality is considered among the worst in the world right now, thanks to thick wildfire smoke drifting southward from Canada. The smoke is prompting health concerns, triggering air quality alerts and smothering outdoor events in a dangerous haze.
Hazardous smoke is also blanketing Minneapolis, earning it a top spot in poor air quality rankings.
The smoke has pushed the U.S. air quality index to code red across much of the Midwest and Great Lakes. In fact, air quality alerts are in effect in at least nine states.
Throngs of people cheer in front of a backdrop of smoke during Lollapalooza in Chicago.
"This isn't just affecting sensitive individuals like the elderly and small children," warned senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. "It can affect everybody that exerts themselves outdoors or spends too much time outdoors."
The timing couldn't be worse for Chicago's outdoor-loving summer scene. The iconic Lollapalooza music festival kicked off Thursday in Grant Park, drawing thousands of concertgoers under a veil of smoke.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are set to host the Baltimore Orioles at Wrigley Field today, just blocks from where air quality remains unhealthy.
The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for all of Illinois through the end of Friday, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is urging vulnerable groups to avoid outdoor activities. Everyone else should take it easy outdoors, swapping intense workouts for a walk and minimizing time outside, say experts.
Unfortunately, this smoke could linger in some parts of the Midwest through Saturday, while spreading into upstate New York and northern New England by Sunday.
Before heading outside this weekend, check the air quality near you, wear a mask if needed, and consider using an air purifier.
Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.
Source: "AOL General News"
Source: Astro Blog
Full Article on Source: Astro Blog
#LALifestyle #USCelebrities