Chicago sees slight air quality improvement, but smoky, hazy conditions persist

After days of wildfire smoke blanketing the Chicago area, air quality improved Saturday, though it remained unclear when the lingering haze would fully clear.

Air quality reached the “moderate” category Saturday, but an air quality alert remained in effect through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned that conditions could deteriorate again later in the day as smoke concentrations fluctuate.

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

The smoky haze is expected to linger through the weekend and 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, thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 60 mph were possible Saturday, which saw rain showers roll through the Chicago area in the 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.