Illinois Unknown Air Quality Alert | Effective 07/16/2026 11:28

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for Friday July 17th for the AirNow AQI forecast sectors of Rockford and all 6 Chicago area forecast sectors. This is in addition to downgrade of the ongoing action day to a Purple Forecast Air Pollution Action Day in effect today. These Purple and Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Days are declared due to a forecast of Very Unhealthy-Purple category particulates on Thursday July 16th and a forecast of Unhealthy-Red category particulates on Friday July 17th. Northern IL is on the edge of a thick plume of surface smoke blanketing the Great Lakes and Northeast U.S. While some models do suggest minor decreases in smoke/PM2.5 levels are possible today, they also suggest that the smoke wont significantly decrease until between mid-morning and mid-afternoon Friday. Forecasts for 24-hour AQI will remain in poor categories Friday even though condition may eventually improve. With this in mind, those with air quality concerns or outdoor plans are encouraged to check current NowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow.gov to aid in both identifying periods of poor AQI and periods of improving AQI. AQI Category Guidance Unhealthy - Everyone should reduce prolonged activities or heavy exertion outdoors. Active children, older adults, and people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma should avoid prolonged activities or heavy exertion outdoors. Very Unhealthy - Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors. Everyone else: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local government to find out if cooling centers are available in your community. Hazardous - Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local government to find out if cooling centers are available in your community. Air quality forecasts, current air quality, and tips on how you can reduce your emissions can be found at www.airnow.gov Media Contact... Illinois EPA