This week as temperatures finally reached acceptable June levels, Chicagoans prepared to step outside — onto patios and rooftops, into a park or along our gorgeous lakefront.
Everything looks relatively normal out there. But it’s not. The Illinois EPA reported Thursday that the Chicago area’s air quality is unhealthy, not just for sensitive groups but for everyone.
Why? Canadian wildfires continue to rage up north and plumes of smoke still cloud the sky here in the Midwest. As of Thursday, Canada was battling 200 active wildfires, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
It’s amazing how quickly we become used to something like this. Many people don’t look up and wonder why we’re encased in a capsule of gray smoke from the north, why the air feels still and stale, and we certainly don’t wonder why Canada is burning more severely and more regularly.
Yet, the smoke is a problem, reflected in unhealthy air quality that can be a problem for anyone with asthma, heart and lung issues or other chronic conditions. Doctors warn that inhaling wildfire smoke can increase your heart rate and your risk of cardiac events if you’re already at risk. The bottom line: Breathing in wildfire smoke just isn’t good for you.
Thankfully the forecast predicts improvement over the next several days, though air quality is expected to worsen downstate. Chicago’s air quality was the worst in the country Thursday, according to IQAir.
This isn’t just a local story. Wildfire smoke from Canada is affecting major U.S. cities from New York to Minneapolis. And those most affected, of course, are in Canada. More than 27,000 Canadians across three provinces have been forced to evacuate due to wildfires.
This relatively new phenomenon was met with a different attitude when heavy wildfire smoke blanketed the Midwest and East Coast in 2023. Back then, the smoke came during the heart of summer, and the smoke on top of high temperatures made breathing conditions more noticeably difficult. What followed was canceled sporting events and many more people who opted to stay inside until the smoke disappeared.
Today, it seems as though concerns have faded, though we know many folks who have complained of headaches, allergy flare-ups and fatigue this week. It’s worth taking basic precautions, especially for those with preexisting health conditions. On smoky days, experts recommend limiting outdoor activity, using air purifiers if available and keeping windows closed. Checking the air quality index — available via most weather apps — is a good habit, just like checking the forecast. Staying aware can make a real difference, especially for children, older adults and anyone with asthma or allergies.
The smoke is expected to clear soon. But as wildfires become more common, it’s important to remember: Just because something starts to feel normal doesn’t mean it’s safe. We shouldn’t ignore the health risks — or the warning signs in the sky.
