CHAMPAIGN – The National Weather Service in Central Illinois said levels of smoke from Canadian wildfires made the air unhealthy in central, northern and southeast Illinois on Sunday and Monday. Strong to severe storms will move the air out late Monday night.
Monday’s forecast from IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard:
Air quality is still at unhealthy levels in many corners of central Illinois on Monday morning due to a dense plume of wildfire smoke hovering over the region. Smoke will clear from west to east across the area through the day today as a storm system approaches from the west, pushing the smoke away from the area. The same storm system brings a risk of severe weather to the Midwest today with storms erupting over portions of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Northern Illinois this afternoon and evening. A cluster of strong to severe storms may organize and push into Central Illinois late Monday night with damaging wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall, and a tornado or two possible.
On Monday, people are advised to limit outdoor activities. And if you are sensitive to poor air quality or experience symptoms such as chest pains, asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, eye or sinus irritation, fatigue, or coughing, you’re advised to stay indoors.
The conditions forced the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center and The Lake House In Crystal Lake Park to close early on Sunday afternoon.
