If you've thought it looked hazy outside lately, it's because it is, as wildfires in Canada are driving smoky, dirty air into the Midwest.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - If you've thought it looked hazy outside lately, it's because it is.

Wildfires in Canada are driving smoky, dirty air into the Midwest. Trent Ford, the State Climatologist at the University of Illinois, says the new southerly wind will continue to carry this bad air. 

"We got the shift in air and everybody was excited to go outside and experience, but unfortunately that cooler, drier air also has wildfire smoke mixed in it," said Ford. "We are pushing what the EPA classifies as air quality index, into that unhealthy measure across the board."

Ford said the air quality will increase once the wind changes direction, which should happen soon. It will decrease the concentration of the pollutants in the air. 

Dr. Steve Arnold, a pulmonologist at Decatur Memorial Hospital, says for the last few days the air quality index has been bad enough that it's dangerous for vulnerable populations. It has gotten close to the point it would be considered unhealthy for exposure for anyone. 

"The danger is to people that have respiratory illness and heart disease," said Dr. Arnold. "If someone has asthma, or COPD, for instance, they may have increased symptoms, shortness of breath, and cough." 

Dr. Arnold also said children and the elderly have a harder time with bad air quality as well. He said if your chest gets tight, or you have a hard time breathing, it's critical to get medical help. 

Extra air filtration, whether it be through an at home air purifier, or an N95 mask outside, will make it easier for your lungs to cope with the air concerns. Even if the temperature feels nice, it is important to keep your windows closed and avoid polluting the air inside your home. 

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