CORRECTION Illinois Climate Wildfires Smoke

A general view of street mall during poor air quality due to dense smoke from Canadian wildfires in Glenview, Ill., Thursday, July 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) CORRECTION: Glenview, not Northbrook

 Nam Y. Huh

(WAND) — An area-wide air pollution action day has been issued for most of Illinois as more smoke from Canadian wildfires moves into the state.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued the action day for Sunday, July 19. It is in addition to the ongoing Chicago air pollution action day that took effect on Saturday, July 18.

The alert includes all of Illinois' Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast sectors, except Metro-East St. Lous.

The Illinois EPA said area-wide air pollution action days are declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone or particulate levels are forecast to be at or above the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category in nearly all Illinois AQI forecast sectors.

Starting Saturday afternoon, smoke/fine particulate matter at levels that could negatively impact air quality is expected to return to Illinois, first in more northern areas in the afternoon and evening, then pressing further south overnight.

Areas both inside and outside of the action day coverage area could experience smoke to a varying degree and duration both later Saturday and Sunday. The Illinois EPA said smoke could also linger in much of the state Monday, and all forecasts will periodically be reassessed throughout the weekend.

Anyone with air quality concerns or with outdoor plans is encouraged to check current NowCast readings here.

According to the Illinois EPA, residents should keep cool and limit physical activity while outside when the air quality is unhealthy. The agency also encouraged people to take the following actions to protect themselves when the air quality is unhealthy:

  • Stay indoors and monitor your breathing, especially if you have heart or lung disease, and keep windows and doors closed.
  • If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, set your system to recirculate or close the intake.
  • Use high efficiency filters in air conditioning systems and portable air cleaners.
  • Avoid activities that create more particulate matter indoors, like smoking or burning candles.
  • If you cannot avoid working or other outdoor activities, then choose shorter or less intense activities, consider rescheduling if possible, and take more frequent breaks.
  • Consider wearing a high-quality N-95 or N-100 mask to filter damaging particles while outdoors. 

More information on air quality levels and how to protect yourself can be found here.

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