Thick haze has enveloped northern Illinois, bringing dangerous levels of wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota into the region. The National Weather Service warns of potential worsening conditions by tonight.

Visibility Issues in Chicago

On the West Side of Chicago, haze affected the Austin neighborhood, reducing visibility. Bikers at 31st Street Beach experienced the morning while hazed from the wildfires. The skyline view along Interstate 290 was dimmed by the smoke.

The sun was barely visible through the smoke and clouds, marking the air quality decline in Chicago. The Green Line train continued to rumble through the haze in the Austin neighborhood.

Impact on the Area

Smoke made the Chicago skyline invisible from Kennedy Expressway, hindering visibility from three miles north. These conditions originated from the wildfires burning in Minnesota and Canada.

Plumes from the Camp Fire were evident on Moose Lake, resulting in the closure and evacuation of areas in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.