Illinois Unknown Air Quality Alert | Effective 07/18/2026 10:47

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Areawide Air Pollution Action Day for Sunday July 19th for portions of Illinois. An Areawide Air Pollution Action Day is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels are forecast to be at OR ABOVE the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category in all or nearly all Illinois AQI forecast sectors. Areas both inside and outside of the Action Day coverage area may experience smoke/PM2.5 to a varying degree and duration both later today and Sunday. Those with air quality concerns or anyone in Illinois with outdoor plans is encouraged to check current NowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow.gov. Before going outside, checking the NowCast AQI will help identify periods of both poor and cleaner air quality regardless of the level of the daily forecasted AQI. AQI Category Guidance Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Its OK to be active outdoors, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Unhealthy - Sensitive groups: Avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Everyone else: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities. Air quality forecasts and current air quality can be found at www.airnow.gov Media Contact... Illinois EPA