Chicago sees slight air quality improvement, but hazardous conditions expected to return Sunday

After improved air quality early Saturday, wildfire smoke from Canada was expected to return to the Chicago area Saturday night and into Sunday, prompting another Air Pollution Action Day for Illinois.

Air quality reached the “moderate” category Saturday, but that’s expected to worsen to “unhealthy” Sunday. An air quality alert remained in effect through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

“The general expectation is for a gradual deterioration in air quality through [Saturday] night,” said Jake Petr, meteorologist at the weather service.

The smoky haze is expected to linger into Monday, Petr said. Beyond that, the forecast remains uncertain because wildfire smoke will continue drifting into the region as fires burn in Canada and Minnesota. As long as those fires remain active, smoky conditions could persist.

Chicago experienced its worst air quality Thursday, when wildfire smoke pushed the city into the ranks of the world’s most polluted major cities. The weather conditions prompted city officials to close the beaches and several events throughout the area were canceled.

Beaches and city pools reopened Friday afternoon, though the Chicago Park District said programming would be moved indoors. The Garfield Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Morton Arboretum in suburban Lisle were also open Saturday.

Petr urged residents to check the air quality before going outside and to protect themselves by wearing masks. Those with breathing issues should remain indoors.

In addition to the smoke, rain showers rolled through the Chicago area Saturday morning and early afternoon. However, rain would do little to clear the smoky conditions, Petr said.

Sunny conditions were expected Sunday, but lingering smoke is likely to remain as temperatures dip into the low 80s.

Kade Heather contributing.