'Very Unhealthy' Air Quality Continues Wednesday For Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — Poor air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke continues for the Chicago area on Wednesday.

According to AirNow.gov, which monitors air quality across the country, air quality was already at "very unhealthy" levels as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

AirNow.gov advised that people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should avoid physical activities outdoors. Everyone else should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, or consider moving activities indoors.

The National Weather Service said that an air pollution action day has been cleared by the Illinois EPA.

According to the National Weather Service, a stormy weather pattern will also begin on Wednesday in the Chicago area. The weather service said the greatest chance for storms on Wednesday night will be in southern Illinois, but some storms could develop over northern Illinois.

If storms do develop, they could produce large hail and strong winds.

The highest chances for storms, including severe weather, for the Chicago area is Thursday, as heat and humidity values start to increase, the weather service said. The high for the day on Thursday is 90 degrees.

Storms are also possible on Friday, which has a high of 89 degrees. Rain is possible Saturday and Sunday as well, especially south of Interstate 80, the weather service said.