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Chicago's air quality may be the worst ever recorded
Wildfire smoke from Canada is pushing air quality to dangerous levels across the Chicago area.
CHICAGO - Chicago may have just recorded its worst air quality ever as wildfire smoke continues to blanket the area.
What we know:
FOX Chicago meteorologist Mike Caplan said it is likely Chicago has set a record for the worst air quality ever recorded in the city.
Air quality records do not go back very far, but the previous worst readings were around 175 on the Air Quality Index on June 27, 2023.
On Thursday, Caplan said readings in the Loop were around 220, which is considered very unhealthy.
Conditions were even worse in the northern suburbs. Gurnee's AQI reached 446, while Zion's climbed to 558 — both at extremely dangerous levels.
LIVESTREAM OF WILDFIRE SMOKE IN CHICAGO
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For comparison, the air quality number in Duluth, Minnesota — which is closer to the flames in southern Canada — is about 950.
Why it matters
The higher the AQI number, the worse the air is to breathe.
At these levels, everyone can be affected by the smoke, not just people with asthma, heart problems or other health conditions.
People are urged to stay indoors, limit time outside and avoid heavy outdoor activity.
Photos show thick Canadian wildfire smoke covering Chicago skies
Hazy skies are stretching across Chicagoland as wildfire smoke from Canada creates dangerous air quality. See photos.
What's next:
The smoke is expected to remain a major issue throughout the day and may linger into Friday afternoon.
Anyone who has to go outside should consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask. Drivers can also reduce smoke exposure by using the recirculate setting in their vehicles instead of bringing outside air into the cabin.
The Source: The information in this story came from FOX Chicago's Mike Caplan.