Independence Grove Concert Rescheduled Due To Air Quality

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The Libertyville Fire Department is urging area residents to continue to take precautions as the air quality is "a bit worse" Wednesday, and some outdoor programs throughout the Chicago area, including in Libertyville, have been cancelled or moved indoors.

Officials with the Libertyville Fire Department say residents, especially those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should reduce their exposure by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities or keeping outdoor activities short. Those looking to take part in physical activities are urged to move those activities indoors.

• 'Very Unhealthy' Air Quality Continues Wednesday For Chicago Area

Everyone else is encouraged to reduce their exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.

"Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or similar should consider staying indoors if possible. Those outside should limit activity to avoid any issues. If possible, stay indoors for the next couple days," fire officials urged are residents on Wednesday. "Overall, if you are outside and start experiencing any issues, take care or yourself or others by simply retreating back to the indoors. Updates will come as we get them. Stay safe out there."

Meanwhile, daycares and park districts throughout the Chicago area having been cancelling or moving activities indoors due to air quality issues. On Tuesday night, Lake County Forest Preserves officials announced it would be cancelling Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove because of the "very unhealthy air quality."

The Wayouts, the 1960s rock hits band scheduled to perform on June 27, was rescheduled to Aug. 29.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is causing the poor air quality in the Chicago area.

According to AirNow.gov, which monitors air quality across the country, air quality varied throughout the Chicago area and was listed between unhealthy and very unhealthy levels as of 2 p.m. Wednesday.

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.