Why air quality remains bad in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Air quality across Chicago remained a major concern Wednesday as smoke pouring down from Canada's wildfires placed the area's pollution at unhealthy levels for the second straight day.
Early Wednesday morning, Chicago moved to the third worst air quality in the world, behind Dubai and Detroit. On Tuesday, Chicago ranked the worst.
The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert that has now been extended until midnight Thursday night.
Chicago remains in the "unhealthy" red zone. Chicagoans are advised to stay indoors, wear masks outside and utilize air purifiers to avoid the impacts of the air quality.
The bad air quality is expected to continue all day Wednesday. The question now is: How long will this last?
The poor air quality forced the cancellation of many outdoor events on Wednesday. CBS 2's Andrew Ramos learned a Little League game in Edgebrook was among the latest events to get scrapped.
Still, many people were going about their day as usual, be it going for a jog or other outdoor activities.
Where are the fires burning?
Officials on Wednesday reported the highest number of current active fires in Quebec, with 113, down from 117 on Tuesday. British Columbia, along Canada's west coast, had the second-highest number of active blazes — 94, which was down from 99 the previous day — followed by Alberta and Ontario.
After the smoke clears ...
After the smoke clears, showers and thunderstorms are expected to arrive by the evening and into Thursday.
Threats Thursday include powerful winds and the possibility of large hail.
Humidity levels increase as well.
