Smoke from Canadian wildfires is impacting air quality in Illinois.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health are urging residents to use caution when outdoors because of unhealthy air quality. According to the national Air Quality Index, the Red Air Pollution Action Day applies to the following counties: Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Bureau, Putnam, Henderson, Warren, Hancock, McDonough, Knox, Stark, Marshall, Peoria, Woodford, Fulton, Tazewell, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, De Kalb, Lee, La Salle, McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, and Grundy.
Additionally, Illinois is downgrading air quality forecasts for Bloomington and Normal (McLean County) from Moderate (Yellow) to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange).
🚨 Unhealthy air alert for much of Illinois today due to wildfire smoke. The AQI is in the red (unhealthy) zone for many counties, meaning everyone should take steps to protect their health – especially those with heart/lung conditions, kids, and outdoor workers. 👇 https://t.co/NZ9a4mWY3f
— IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health (@IDPH) July 31, 2025
If you were wanting to sleep with the windows open to enjoy the cooler weather, we regret to say the smoke has different plans. Smoke from Canadian wildfires will move into central and SE IL today. Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy through the overnight hours. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/2KCSobMlJ6
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) July 31, 2025
Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality and air quality forecasts using the latest information on AirNow.gov.
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Those most at risk of getting sick are people with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, as well as children and adults who are active outdoors, according to the health department. Individuals with sensitive health conditions should follow their doctor’s advice.
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All residents should keep cool and limit physical activity outdoors when air quality is low. IDPH also has the following safety tips for when air quality is Red or “Unhealthy” AQI category:
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• 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, choose shorter or less intense activities, consider rescheduling, and take more frequent breaks.
• Consider wearing a high-quality N-95 or N-100 mask while outdoors.