(CHICAGO) — The air in Chicago isn’t colored in a hazy dystopian orange like some parts of the East Coast, but wildfires raging in Canada may continue to affect air quality in the city and across Illinois for the next several days.
The effects of wildfires burning in Quebec could be felt Wednesday as far as North Carolina to the south and Ohio to the west. Conditions were especially hazardous in parts of central New York, where the airborne soot was at hazardous levels, turning the air a yellowish gray and prompting warnings to stay inside.
In Illinois, air quality was classified as moderate Wednesday, including in Chicago, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Conditions were forecast to remain at that level until Sunday.
That classification means air quality is acceptable, but pollution in this range may pose a moderate health concern for people who are unusually sensitive to ozone or particulate pollution, the EPA said.
The air quality in some parts of southern Cook County, near Tinley Park, Dolton, South Holland and Chicago Heights, was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups due to a high level of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere from smoke blown into the area.
Experts say prolonged hot, dry weather is the primary driver of the fires raging in Canada.
Major League Baseball postponed games in New York and Philadelphia Wednesday night because of poor air quality from the smoke.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned the public to “prepare for this over the long haul.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams told residents to limit outdoor activities, and parks officials closed beaches as smoke shrouded the skyline.
The Federal Aviation Administration paused some flights bound for LaGuardia Airport and slowed planes to Newark Liberty and Philadelphia airports because the smoke was limiting visibility. It also contributed to delayed arrivals at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C.
Contributing: Associated Press
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