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Smoky skies in downtown Chicago

Canadian wildfire smoke moves into Chicago skyline - July 2026

Wildfire smoke is blanketing the Chicago area, and NBC 5’s chief meteorologist Brant Miller, with 35 years on-air experience, says he’s “never seen” the Air Quality Index this bad. #wildfire #wildfiresmoke #chicago #airquality

How long will the wildfire smoke last and when will the air quality get better in the Chicago area? NBC Meteorologist @iishascott has everything you need to know as thick clouds of wildfire smoke cause

That air quality alert will now run through at least Friday night according to NWS officials, with residents urged to take precautions to limit their exposure to airborne particulates. In addition, the Illinois EPA has issued what it’s calling a “Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day” for the area Thursday and into Friday. Even as the wildfire smoke moves out of the area, next week could see a return of those conditions, as winds will shift out of the north, bringing cooler air into the region a