High ozone levels, combined with smoke from Canadian wildfires, led to air quality alerts and hazy cries across Chicago on Monday.
Over 160 wildfires are burning in Quebec, according to the provincial fire protection authority. Many are out of control amid an exceptionally active fire season. Another wildfire burning near Grayling, Michigan is also contributing some smoke.
Lee Carlaw, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Romeoville, said that much of the smoke that’s blown into the area is high in the atmosphere, creating milky hazy conditions across the Chicago region. But Monday’s poor air quality at ground level is related more to elevated ozone levels. Ground-level ozone is created when nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds interact with sunlight.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly“There were already antecedent high levels of particulates in the atmosphere that have sort of just been recycled with the kind of light winds that we’ve had over the last several days,” Carlaw said. “There is certainly some impact from the smoke, but it’s certainly not a primary one.” Thursday warning of high ozone levels starting Friday.
Active people and those with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, such as asthma, are particularly at risk, the state warned last week. Low air quality could lead to shortness of breath or coughing, and everyone should limit outdoor activity.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
High ozone levels, wildfire smoke spur air quality alerts in ChicagoHigh ozone levels, combined with smoke from Canadian wildfires, led to air quality alerts and hazy cries across Chicago on Monday.
Read more »
Air quality Illinois: High ozone levels, wildfire smoke spur alerts in ChicagoHigh ozone levels, combined with smoke from Canadian wildfires, led to air quality alerts and hazy skies across Chicago on Monday.
Read more »
Off-duty Chicago police sergeant goes on trial Monday after Park Ridge teen pinned to groundA Chicago police sergeant accused of pinning a teenager to the ground with his knee goes on trial Monday.
Read more »
Chicago First Alert Weather: Air Quality Alert for Monday, nice week aheadChicago First Alert Weather: Air Quality Alert Monday
Read more »
Here's which Chicago chefs, restaurants are up for James Beard Awards Monday nightThe James Beard Awards, “known as the Oscars of the food world,” will honor the country’s best chefs, writers and restaurants on Monday night. The ceremony has been held in Chicago the past several years, as is the case once again. While several local nominees are up for awards, there are few national nominees this year. Typically, Chicago has one…
Read more »
James Beard Awards 2023: Chicago area restaurants, chefs up for culinary awards Monday nightThe James Beard Awards are considered to be one of the highest honors in the culinary industry.
Read more »