A thick wall of smoke from wildfires burning in Canada was still hovering over northeastern Illinois, northwest Indiana and all of Wisconsin early Friday morning, with air quality readings still in the “hazardous” category .
According to air quality tracking website AirNow.gov, the entire Chicago area had AQI numbers above 300 on a scale up to 500. In Wheaton, the air quality was off the charts, at 584.
“Even if you do not suffer from upper respiratory issues, if the number is over 150, you’re going to affected,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.
Thursday, some suburbs saw numbers even higher, with beaches and pools closed and outdoor events canceled. Photos and videos showed the Chicago skyline completely disappear into haze, with low visibility and reddish-brown skies.
But improving conditions were on the way, Roman said.
“We should start to see that smoke backing off a bit, especially after lunchtime today,” Roman said, with the smoke gradually decreasing over the next 12-24 hours.
Winds shifting out of the southwest could allow the smoke to lift starting at about 12 p.m. Roman said, with the heaviest, thickest smoke pushed off into Michigan.
“By evening hours, it does look a lot better,” Roman said.
Friday afternoon, air quality was expected to move up into the “unhealthy” or red category, which ranks as level three of six. That’s compared to the “hazardous” category, which ranks as level six.
“Still pretty bad by the afternoon,” Roman said. “But a lot better.”
Scattered showers and storms with heavy downpours at times were also possible Friday afternoon and evening Roman said. The rain could lead to what many refer to as “dirty rain,” on cars.
By Saturday morning, the air quality was expected to improve even more, Roman said, into the “moderate” category, which ranks as level two.
Smoke could however move back in Saturday evening, Roman said, as winds shift out of the north.
“We do have the potential by Saturday to see light to moderate smoke moving in,” Roman said, starting about 8 or 9 p.m.
“Definitely not as thick as what we have out there right now or yesterday,” Roman said.
More rain chances were possible Saturday, Roman said.
“At least the second half of the weekend looks nice and dry Sunday, with a high of 94 degrees,” Roman said.
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