Wednesday forecast: Air quality alert issued on first day of summer
Weather officials issued an air quality alert Wednesday which marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
The alert was issued after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency determined an air pollution day would be declared for the Chicago metropolitan area because weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and/or particulate levels are expected to be unhealthy for children and adults with pulmonary or respiratory conditions.
The air quality alert is in effect until Wednesday night.
Officials also cautioned of an elevated fire risk in portions of north central and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana. The continued dry conditions combined with winds gusting up to 30 mph Wednesday afternoon will make an elevated risk of grass and brush fires, officials said.
Nearly all of Illinois is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, according to federal weather and agricultural authorities. Chicago’s “moderate drought” status was upgraded to “severe draught” last week.
The dry conditions are expected to remain through Saturday. The NWS predicts a slight chance for rain in Chicago later in the weekend and into early next week.
Conditions at Midway Airport at around 11 a.m. were fair and 78 degrees. At O’Hare International Airport there were a few clouds and 82 degrees.
