‘Very unhealthy’ air lingers, leading to more beach and event cancelations

In spite of earlier reports that the air quality would improve Friday, the smoky haze has continued to hover over Chicagoland. 

The air quality, which has been impacted by more than 100 wildfires burning in Canada, is designated “very unhealthy” — the fourth highest of five designations of the air quality index — according to the National Weather Service.

The air quality alert is in place until Friday at midnight.

To encourage residents to stay indoors, local park districts have continued to close beaches and reschedule community events.

Accuweather.com reported that Wilmette’s air, consistent around the North Shore area, sat at registered at 290 on the air quality index on Friday. Thursday’s air quality was more severe, reaching levels close to or above 500 in Chicago.

The air quality, according to Accuweather, is expected to improve by Saturday but may slightly worsen Sunday.

The Wilmette, Highland Park and Winnetka park districts announced that beaches would be closed Friday until reconsideration in the afternoon. The Wilmette, Highland Park and Skokie park districts also closed their pools until further notice.

Ravinia Festival reportedly will livestream its Steans Institute Piano & Strings Friday afternoon concert and will make a decision about Friday night’s Paul Simon concert at 2 p.m.

The AQI includes six categories for different air quality severities, according to Airnow.gov. An AQI of 50 or below is considered “good air quality,” while over 300 is considered “hazardous” with four designations in between.

Inhaling polluted air particles can cause coughing, itchy eyes and can lead to worsening lung disease.

The American Lung Association recommends that children, older adults and individuals with respiratory disease avoid all outdoor physical activity when the air quality is over 100 AQI. 

The Skokie Health and Human Services Department advised everyone to limit outdoor activities, regardless if they have respiratory disease or not.

Thursday’s air quality brought similar cancellations, with beaches, pools and community activities being canceled. 

Highland Park’s Food Truck Thursday was canceled, and the Chicago Botanic Gardens were closed Friday. Ravinia Festival canceled its performance of Mozart’s “Abduction from the Seraglio” on Thursday night as well. Skokie Park District’s dine-in movie showing of National Treasure was also off.

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