Hazy Skies Over Chicago: What You Need to Know
Introduction to the Haze
St. Patrick’s Day weekend has officially arrived, and residents outdoors for events like the Chicago River dyeing may have noticed some hazy skies surrounding the Chicago skyline.
The clouded sights are not your imagination, as blowing dust and wildfire smoke approaching from the southwest that originated in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri has approached the area.
Cause of the Haze
The haze is caused by a combination of blowing dust and wildfire smoke from the Southern Plains. Weather officials advise residents to limit prolonged time outdoors Saturday, with a frontal passage later on in the day anticipated to provide some relief heading into the evening and Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), poor air quality is being observed today for Illinois and Indiana due to dust and smoke from Friday’s wildfires and blowing dust in the Southern Plains. Air quality is expected to be at unhealthy levels for everyone. Consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity.
Air Quality Concerns
Air quality levels are expected to range between unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for everyone across the region for much of the daytime.
Individuals planning on spending time outdoors are advised to watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath, as well as to make activities both shorter and less intense.
Impact on Wind Gusts
The wildfire smoke and haze also played a role in lessening expected wind gusts Saturday morning, with a high wind warning downgraded to a wind advisory.
According to the NWS, smoke and haze prevented the highest winds from mixing lower in towards the ground, leading to 60 mile-per-hour winds never materializing.
The NWS tweeted: “Why were the winds not as strong as expected? While it’s still windy today (Midway Airport recently gusted to 52 mph), we suspect that the haze/dust/smoke in the air played a role in preventing the highest winds from mixing down this AM.
What to Expect
Residents can expect hazy conditions to persist throughout the day, with some relief expected in the evening and Sunday morning.
It is essential to stay informed about the latest weather and air quality updates to plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hazy skies over Chicago are caused by a combination of blowing dust and wildfire smoke from the Southern Plains. Residents are advised to limit prolonged time outdoors and watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath. The air quality is expected to be unhealthy for everyone, and wind gusts have been lessened due to the smoke and haze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is causing the haze in Chicago?
A: The haze is caused by a combination of blowing dust and wildfire smoke approaching from the southwest that originated in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Q: What are the air quality levels expected to be?
A: Air quality levels are expected to range between unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for everyone across the region for much of the daytime.
Q: What symptoms should I watch for when spending time outdoors?
A: Individuals planning on spending time outdoors are advised to watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath, as well as to make activities both shorter and less intense.
Q: Will the haze affect wind gusts?
A: Yes, the wildfire smoke and haze played a role in lessening expected wind gusts Saturday morning, with a high wind warning downgraded to a wind advisory.
Q: When can we expect relief from the haze?
A: Some relief is expected in the evening and Sunday morning, with a frontal passage later on in the day anticipated to provide some relief.
