Illinois EPA Extends Air Quality Alert Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the Areawide Air Pollution Action Day through Monday as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to impact air quality across the state. The EPA's alert indicates that particulate pollution is expected to reach or exceed the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category in nearly all Illinois Air Quality Index forecast sectors on Monday.

Kim Biggs, a public information officer with the Illinois EPA, advised residents to monitor the NowCast AQI for real-time air quality updates. She noted that smoke levels are likely to decrease progressively from southwest to northeast throughout the day. Meteorologist Gino Izzi from the National Weather Service reported improved visibility since last week, attributing this to stronger southwest winds expected to develop Monday afternoon, which should help disperse any remaining smoke. However, he cautioned that smoke could potentially return later in the week if wildfires continue to burn to the north.