Air quality alert issued as smoky haze settles over Chicago

Weather officials called an air quality alert over parts of the Great Lakes, Lower Mississippi and Ohio valleys Tuesday morning as smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to coat Chicago and its surrounding areas with a haze that will linger into the night hours.

Chicago’s air quality was listed as “unhealthy,” as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to AirNow, a website that combines data from county, state and federal air quality agencies nationwide, and the National Weather Service said people should “consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities.”

While other regions are dealing with excessive heat, Chicago temperatures are expected to hit the low 70s. But air conditions are still unhealthy for children and adults with respiratory and pulmonary conditions, officials said.

The Chicago Cubs have a scheduled home game tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05 p.m.

Severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall are possible today through Saturday, weather officials said.

Meanwhile, a beach hazard remains in effect for northern and central Cook County from 10 a.m. Tuesday into the evening hours as high waves from 3 to 5 feet are expected. Conditions will be life-threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers.

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There are high swim risks at the Lake Michigan shore as choppy waves on the southern beaches and Indiana beaches are expected, officials said. These conditions are expected to continue through Monday.

Current conditions at Midway Airport are areas of smoke at 66 degrees, and at O’Hare International Airport conditions are the same at 65 degrees.