Introduction to the Storms
Dust and smoke from wildfires and storms on the Southern plains brought hazy skies and poor air quality across the Chicago area Saturday, the National Weather Service said.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications issued an air-quality alert, warning of unhealthy air and advising those with heart or lung ailments to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities.
Cause of the Storms
On Friday, parts of Texas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma were ravaged by hurricane-force winds and tornadoes that killed at least 16 people and leveled homes. More than 100 million people were estimated to be affected, and evacuations were ordered in Oklahoma because of fires.
Nearly 150 fires were reported in Oklahoma, driven by 80 mph wind gusts.
The storms kicked up dust across swaths of the South that strong winds blew north, darkening the sky across much of Illinois.
Health Advisory
Poor air quality today in Chicago. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens –
•Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
•Keep outdoor activities short.
•Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them. pic.twitter.com/wHfd366HO8— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) March 15, 2025
Weather Conditions
“It’s really dry,” National Weather Service meteorologist Brett Borchardt said. “It just picked up a lot of dust, and the wind direction came from there.”
Severe thunderstorms hit the Chicago area late Friday, bringing damaging winds and possible tornadoes. Survey crews on Saturday were out assessing the damage to determine whether any tornadoes had touched down to the west of Chicago, including in Elburn, DeKalb, Sycamore and Geneva, and parts of Northwest Indiana, Borchardt said.
The storms were followed by strong winds on Saturday, but haze, dust and smoke “played a role in preventing the highest winds from mixing down,” according to the weather service.
Borchardt said the Chicago area is expected to be clear of dust by sunset Saturday.
After the high temperature in Chicago reached 79 degrees Friday, the mild weather continued Saturday. But temps are expected to plunge Sunday into the high 30s and upper 40s, with some accumulating snow possible, the weather service said.
Visual Impact
St. Patrick’s Day revelers walk along Wacker Drive as haze envelops the Chicago skyline in the Loop on Saturday. Wildfires and high winds on the Southern plains carried dust into the Chicago area, creating poor air-quality conditions.
Conclusion
The dust and smoke from the Southern plains brought hazardous conditions to the Chicago area, affecting air quality and visibility. The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications issued an air-quality alert, and residents were advised to take precautions to protect their health. The weather is expected to clear up by sunset, but the city is bracing for a significant drop in temperature and possible snow on Sunday.
FAQs
Q: What caused the poor air quality in Chicago?
A: The poor air quality in Chicago was caused by dust and smoke from wildfires and storms on the Southern plains.
Q: What health precautions should people take?
A: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Q: How long will the poor air quality last?
A: The Chicago area is expected to be clear of dust by sunset Saturday.
Q: What is the forecast for the next few days?
A: Temps are expected to plunge Sunday into the high 30s and upper 40s, with some accumulating snow possible.
Contributing: Associated Press
