Poor Air Quality, Then 105 Heat Index Possible For Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — In what is becoming a common trend this summer, poor air quality is expected once again on Tuesday before a heat wave hits the area.

Temperatures could hit the mid-90s by Wednesday and Thursday before climbing to nearly 100 degrees on Friday. A peak afternoon heat index of 95 to 105 degrees is also possible Wednesday through Friday.

However, rounds of storms could provide some temporary relief to the heat at times on Wednesday through Friday, the National Weather Service said.

The National Weather Service said poor air quality is due to wildfire smoke and particulate matter. The air quality alert is in effect through midnight Tuesday night for northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.

The weather service advised that those with a chronic respiratory issue limit prolonged outdoor activity.

AirNow.gov, which measures air quality across the country, showed a level of 137 in Joliet on Tuesday morning. 137 is a level which is "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

According to AirNow, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should shorten the amount of time when they are active outdoors.

The World Air Quality Index showed Chicago with the fourth-worst air quality in the world on Tuesday.