Illinois Air quality alert issued for Monday with air quality ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups'

According to Illinois officials, those most at risk due to elevated air pollution, including ground-level ozone and particle pollution are children and adults who are active outdoors and those with respiratory or pulmonary disorders

An air quality alert has been issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Monday, with air quality expected to be at levels that are "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

The Air Pollution Action Day was declared by the IEPA for several Chicago-area counties for Monday Monday, citing "elevated ground-level ozone," according to a press release from the IEPA. A similar air quality alert was also issued Sunday.

The Action Day includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, the release said. It will remain in effect until Midnight.

In Illinois, an Air Pollution Action Day is issued when air quality is forecasted to be at or above the Orange or “Unhealthy/Sensitive Groups” category for two or more consecutive days.

The @ILEPA has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago Metropolitan area for Monday, June 17 due to elevated ground-level ozone. The Action Day includes the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, McHenry and Will. Details at: https://t.co/DouRlAXhp3 pic.twitter.com/FuGz8vLEhi

— Illinois EPA (@ILEPA) June 16, 2024

As of 6 a.m., Monday, according to AirNow, the Chicago area's Air Quality Index measured at "Moderate," which ranks as level two on a six level scale. As the day continues, the AQI is expected to reach level three, "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."

The AQI is measured based on five major air pollutants, including ground-level ozone, particle pollution and others. Ozone levels tend to be elevated during spells of hot weather, and more particle pollution occurs when residents use air conditioning units in their homes and businesses, officials say.

Those with pulmonary illnesses and other risk factors such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and individuals who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours per day should reduce exposure outdoors during the alert, according to officials.

Those who worry about being affected should look out for the following symptoms: wheezing, coughing, a fast
heartbeat, fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen, you should call your doctor or 911.

People are urged to take the following steps to reduce their contributions to air pollution, especially on action days, according to the state EPA.

• Limit Driving – combine errands, walk, or bike if possible.
• If driving, avoid idling, consolidate errands, and keep your vehicle and other engines
  properly tuned.
• Conserve energy to reduce energy demands.
• Use environmentally friendly household and cleaning products.
• Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
• Notify colleagues, friends, and family to help protect their health and encourage actions.

Chicago weather today: Temperatures will feel like 100 degrees

In addition to the air quality alert, Monday is expected to be a muggy and hot day, continuing a long stretch of 90-degree temperatures and even higher heat indices, the NBC 5 storm Team said.

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"Every single day this week will feature temperatures in the 90s and high humidity as well," NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.

The forecast Monday across the Chicago area calls for a high temperature of 96 degrees -- which could tie the record for the Chicago area, set in 1957, Roman said.

Hot and muggy conditions will continue this week with peak heat indices approaching and even exceeding 100 degrees at times. Periodic chances for showers and storms are also expected over the next few days, but most hours should be dry. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/RGE9OXuj0b

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 17, 2024

"No lakefront cooling today," Roman stressed.

Additionally, humidity levels Monday will straddle the line between "muggy" and "extreme," Roman added, noting dewpoint temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

Hot and humid conditions are expected each day this week. If spending time outside, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and take breaks in the shade or indoors! #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/dz1KAQDMFv

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 17, 2024

"Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate," Roman warned.

Monday could also see isolated afternoon storms as the day heats up, Roman said.

"There's a low-end chance for a storm with the heating of the day," Roman said. "Not everyone will see it."

Locations that do see storms could see quick, heavy downpours, Roman said.

Temperatures in 90s and isolated storm chances will continue through the rest of the week, Roman said, with relief not arriving until the weekend as a cold front passes through.

At that time, more showers and storm chances are expected, Roman said, with temperatures dipping back down into the mid 80s Sunday.