Chicago air quality remains abysmal Wednesday; third-worst among big cities

Chicago weather: Awful air quality continues Wednesday

The smoke for wildfires raging in Canada continues to affect air quality in the Midwest, especially in the Chicago area. On top of the smoke, Chicago will have some sweltering temperatures in the coming days.

CHICAGO - Air quality is still dreadful in Chicagoland. As of 4 a.m. in Chicago the "number" is 228, that’s still rated as "very unhealthy," according to the Illinois EPA.

Chicago ranks third-worst among big cities across the globe for air quality behind Dubai and Detroit.

Only modest improvement is likely today but will be aided by showers and storms which are looking increasingly likely later this afternoon.

Highs reach the low 80s, held back a bit by the thick pall of smoke.

SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 ON YOUTUBE

Chicago weather: Wednesday morning forecast

FOX 32's Mike Caplan breaks down today's weather outlook.

Tomorrow could still feature some storms but latest computer models are much less enthusiastic. Still, the potential is there quite frankly for showers and storms today right into early next week including the 4th.

Obviously, it won’t be raining all the time but any storms that do fire up could be strong. It will be very warm to hot and increasingly humid with sultry weather likely most, if not all, of next week.

As for Wednesday, officials are urging those with heart or lung disease, older adults and children to avoid physical activities outdoors.

Even people without respiratory problems may experience some discomfort or irritation from the smoke, but they could probably go out to do everyday tasks, local health experts say.

On Tuesday, Chicago Public Schools moved its summer programs indoors "to reduce the risk to students and staff."

The National Weather Service blamed winds pulling smoke from Canada across Wisconsin, Michigan and portions of Illinois and northern Indiana. The air quality is expected to improve as the week progresses.

Understanding air quality: What smoky skies mean for your health and outdoor activity

FOX 32's Mike Caplan breaks down the components that go into measuring air quality and gives advice on for Chicagoans trapped under dangerous, smoky skies.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.