On June 5, 2025, Chicago air quality reached alarming levels, ranking among the worst globally due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Chicago peaked at 166, placing it seconds only to Dakar, Senegal, in terms of poor air quality among major cities worldwide.
The smoke originates from over 200 active wildfires in Canada’s Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces. Stagnant weather patterns have trapped the smoke over the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions, leading to widespread air quality alerts in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Nebraska.
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Health officials advise residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers. The Illionis Environmental Protection Agency has declared an “Air Pollution Action Day” for the Chicago area.
While some improvement is expected by the end of the week, officials warn that Chicago air quality may remain poor, particularly during nighttime when cooler temperatures cause smoke to settle close to the ground.
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