Active Weather Alerts
Air Quality Alert
Issued: 9:13 AM Jul. 17, 2026 – National Weather Service
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT TONIGHT... The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for today, July 17th, for the AirNow AQI forecast sectors of Rockford and all 6 Chicago area forecast sectors. The Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Days is declared due to a 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. Forecasts for 24-hour AQI will remain in poor categories today 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
Dense Smoke Advisory
Issued: 8:52 AM Jul. 17, 2026 – National Weather Service
...DENSE SMOKE ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Visibilities as low as 1/2 NM in dense smoke occurring. * WHERE...Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL, Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island IL, Northerly Island to Calumet Harbor IL, Calumet Harbor IL to Gary IN, Gary to Burns Harbor IN and Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN. * WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Low visibility will make navigation difficult. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must navigate, proceed with caution. Use proper fog signals. Make sure all running lights are on. Remember to use your radar and compass. &&
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