Chicago air quality expected to drop again as more wildfire smoke returns, impacting outdoor events; strong storms for some

CHICAGO (WLS) — An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for the Chicago area Saturday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Possibly strong storms were expected to also bring damaging wind and hail Saturday afternoon.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Kankakee, Jasper and Newton counties until 7 p.m.

ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said the air quality was considered “moderate” on Saturday morning. The quality could drop to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” Saturday due to elevated ozone levels.

Although, Chicagoans have been getting some relief from the smoky air, winds started to push the conditions back into the area on Saturday afternoon.

The hazy-smoke was forecast to move back into Chicago as early as 5 p.m. or sunset.

TRACKING AIR QUALITY | Click here to check air quality in Chicago area

Although Chicago will likely be under “unhealthy” air quality, the plume of smoke won’t be as bad as Thursday.

Smoke will linger into Sunday.

Storms were forecast to bring rain to Chicago from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Most of the Chicago area, north and west suburbs were under a Level 1 risk for severe weather. Southern suburbs and northwest Indiana were under a Level 2 risk.

The National Weather Service extended the alert until Monday for parts of northwest Indiana.

The wind direction changes on Monday, which could help with air quality.

Chicago Climate Week kicks off, highlights sustainability

Chicago’s first community-led Climate Week is underway as the city faces the possibility of another round of air quality alerts from Canadian wildfire smoke.

After several days of hazardous conditions, Chicago received a temporary break from the toxic haze, allowing the city’s skyline to become visible again. The improved air quality also led to the lifting of an air quality alert that had temporarily closed North Avenue Beach.

Many people took advantage of the cleaner air by heading to the lakefront. Among them was Saron Assef, who was visiting Chicago from Ohio with her mother.

“We found out it was closed and searching around for what was open, but today we saw it was open and decided to come,” Assef said.

Others attended the 19th year of Volleywood, a one-day volleyball tournament and festival.

“Thankfully the haze has gone away and now the air is at safe levels, but we’re monitoring the situation and will interrupt play if we have to,” said Chris Hastings, founder of Volleywood.

For the past several days, plumes of smoke from out-of-control wildfires have drifted into the Midwest and beyond. The threat of pollution returning this weekend and once again blanketing the region in hazardous haze has become a central topic during Climate Week events.
Volunteer Skye Kinlaw said the recent air quality issues underscore the purpose of the weeklong effort.

“It’s almost to me as if Mother Nature were saying, hey heard you were putting on a climate week let me show you why we need this. As you well know we’ve had horrible air quality and everyone has been feeling effects of climate change right outside their front door literally,” Kinlaw said.

Chicago’s first community-led Climate Week continues through July 25. Organizers say the event brings together experts, community leaders and members of the public for dozens of activities focused on sustainability, including the Bevapalooza Reuse and Recycling Pop-Up on the city’s South Side.

“It’s really important bring sustainability to the South Side and building that in the community,” said event co-organizer Randi Alexander.

Organizers said the goal of the week is not only to generate ideas for protecting the environment, but also to encourage people to take action.

Some outdoor events continue across Chicago

Stan’s Donut Run went on Saturday after the city saw many events canceled due to the “hazardous” air quality.

Thousands of runners gathered near Soldier Field as Stan’s Donut Run returned for its 10th year, combining a love of running with a love of donuts while raising money to support children battling pediatric cancer.

The popular event drew approximately 5,000 participants for a 10K, 5K and 1K kids dash. For many runners, the promise of donuts after crossing the finish line was part of the appeal.

“I don’t like to eat before I run because I then feel full. That’s going to be the reward for finishing. Right when I’m done,” runner Ashley Ramirez said.

“People come they run and eat, burn the calories, eat the calories,” said Kennedy Khalimsky, marketing coordinator for Stan’s Donut Run.

The family-friendly event took place as an air quality alert remained in effect in the Chicago area. Organizers and participants were encouraged when the thick haze caused by Canadian wildfire smoke thinned out in time for the start of the race.

“We say stay hydrated, the air did clear up for today thank God. It looks gorgeous out. Steer clear from overheating and exhaustion,” Khalimsky said.

Despite the improved conditions, hot and humid weather persisted, and concerns remained about the possible return of wildfire smoke. Some runners said they took extra precautions before participating.

“We wanted to make sure the smoke wasn’t a problem so I will be doing it with a large fan. We are going to be cool while we do this,” said Becky Hoffman, who attended the event.

“I feel like we slow down our pace a little more try to focus more on our breathing rather than go longer distances. I feel like for me it’s more about finishing than getting a faster time,” runner Leo Escobar said.

The event also served as a fundraiser to help those battling pediatric cancer. Khalimsky said the cause has special meaning to her personally.

“I am a cancer survivor. I had leukemia. I am going to be 12 years cancer free this September. Cal’s Angels is super dear to my heart,” Khalimsky said.

“I love that it is a good way to get the community involved, and give back in such an amazing way,” she added.

As runners crossed the finish line and enjoyed their post-race treats, organizers highlighted the event’s mission of bringing the community together while supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

Meanwhile Saturday, organizers at the Tacos y Tamales festival in Pilsen say they are keeping a close eye on weather conditions throughout the weekend.

Opening day for Roscoe Village Burger Fest was postponed Friday until Saturday because of the wildfire smoke.

Trump criticizes Canada

Hundreds of wildfires are burning in Canada, including about 190 in northern Ontario, Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference. Flames destroyed the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation community, and 10 northern Ontario communities have been evacuated or were being evacuated, with more possible.

The increase of fire in vast Canadian forests has largely been blamed on climate change.

In response to the smoke, U.S. President Donald Trump made a social media post Friday that blamed Canada for its forest management and threatened additional tariffs on Canada.

The Canadian government didn’t initially respond to questions about Trump’s comments.

Asked about a Michigan lawmaker’s criticism about the smoke, Ford noted Canada has helped the U.S. fight fires in the past.

“If there’s some politicians out there chirping away, maybe what you should do rather than complain is send support, send help, because we have done the exact same thing for our American friends and that’s what you’re supposed to do,” Ford said.

Health impact

Health experts warned that wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants.

Dr. Soledad Cortina, a cornea specialist with the Illinois Society for Eye Physicians and Surgeons and University of Illinois Chicago Department of Ophthalmology, said the tiny particles in the smoke could have lasting health effects.

“Some of the components of wildfire are similar to those of like smoke and tobacco, and we know how damaging that is to the eyes and certain chronic conditions,” said Dr. Cortina.

Patricia Ward, the Head Scientist at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, said that weather patterns like these could continue to happen in the future.

“I think we are seeing that more and more across the U.S., North America, in general and around the world in other places too. The expectation is this climate change is going to continue to contribute more extreme weather,” Ward said.

READ ALSO | As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the US, can wearing a mask help?

Experts also cautioned that poor air quality can affect people indoors. HVAC technicians are encouraging homeowners to inspect their air filters as smoke and airborne particles remain a concern.

“Even if the filter looks white — nice, white and clean, if you hold it up to a light and you can’t see the light through it, that means that it’s clogged up,” said Karol Derezinski, a technician with Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.

AAA also recommends using a vehicle’s air conditioning in recirculate mode to reduce smoke exposure inside a car by limiting the amount of outside air entering the cabin.

The smoke and haze blanketing the Chicago area caused low visibility and was expected to create some delays at O’Hare airport.

Health experts said the air is unhealthy for everyone to breathe and are encouraging people to avoid or limit time outdoors until the air quality gets better.

“If you can see it, and you can smell it, you’re breathing it in…so recommendations right now: if you don’t have to go out, then stay home,” Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association, said.

Doctors also recommend that people stay hydrated, which can help the respiratory system in these smoky conditions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.