After days of wildfire smoke blanketing the Chicago area, air quality improved Saturday, though it remained unclear when the lingering haze would fully clear.
Air quality reached the “moderate” category Saturday, but an air quality alert remained in effect through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned that conditions could deteriorate again later in the day as smoke concentrations fluctuate.
“The general expectation is for a gradual deterioration in air quality through the night,” said Jake Petr, meteorologist at the weather service.
The smoky haze is expected to linger through the weekend and into Monday, Petr said. Beyond that, the forecast remains uncertain because wildfire smoke will continue drifting into the region as fires burn in Canada and Minnesota. As long as those fires remain active, smoky conditions could persist.
Chicago experienced its worst air quality Thursday, when wildfire smoke pushed the city into the ranks of the world’s most polluted major cities.
Petr urged residents to check the air quality before going outside and to protect themselves by wearing masks. Those with breathing issues should remain indoors.
In addition to the smoke, thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 60 mph were also possible Saturday, weather officials said.
Sunny conditions were expected Sunday, but lingering smoke would remain in the area as temperatures dipped into the low 80s.