07/19/2026
1159 AM CDT Sun Jul 19 2026
..AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT MONDAY NIGHT...
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Areawide
Air Pollution Action Day for Monday July 20th for portions of
Illinois. This is in addition to the ongoing Areawide Air Pollution
Action Day in effect today July 19th for the same areas.
An Areawide Air Pollution Action Day is declared when weather
conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels
are forecast to be at OR ABOVE the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
(USG) category in all or nearly all Illinois AQI forecast sectors.
Areas both inside and outside of the Action Day coverage area are
likely to see smoke/particulates to a varying degree and duration
today and Monday with smoke likely decreasing from southwest to
northeast through the day Monday. Those with air quality concerns or
anyone in Illinois with outdoor plans are encouraged to check
current NowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow.
gov. Before going outside, checking the NowCast AQI will help
identify periods of both poor and cleaner air quality regardless of
the level of the daily 24-hour AQI forecast.
AQI Category Guidance
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) - Members of sensitive groups
may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to
be affected. Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and
less intense. Its OK to be active outdoors, but take more breaks.
Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People
with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief
medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as
palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a
serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care
provider. Unhealthy - Sensitive groups: Avoid long or intense outdoor
activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.
Everyone else: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks
during outdoor activities.
