Chicago weather: Smoke alert and severe storms Monday
An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for the Chicago area through midnight Monday as Canadian wildfire smoke keeps skies smoky and hazy, while forecasters also warn of strong to severe weather moving in from Wisconsin late afternoon and evening under a Level 2 risk for much of the metro area.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago's Air Quality Alert tied to Canadian wildfire smoke stays in effect until midnight Monday.
- Skies are expected to remain smoky and hazy, with highs in the upper 80s.
- Strong to severe storms are forecast to move in from Wisconsin in the late afternoon and evening.
- Much of the Chicago area is under a Level 2 severe weather risk; Wisconsin is at Level 3.
- Wisconsin's air was worse Monday morning, and Illinois air quality could deteriorate if smoke shifts south.
What is happening with Chicago weather today?
According to ABC7 Chicago, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect for the Chicago area Monday because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. The alert lasts until midnight.
ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologist Mark McGinnis said skies will remain smoky and hazy. Highs are expected in the upper 80s. That combination of haze, heat, and unsettled weather is the main story residents are watching today.
People tracking outdoor exposure and recovery habits can also follow related coverage in our Longevity & Biohacking section, where air quality often shapes how much time outdoors still makes sense.
How bad could the air get if the smoke moves?
McGinnis noted that air conditions in Wisconsin were worse than in Illinois Monday morning. If the wildfire smoke slides farther south, air quality in Illinois could deteriorate.
That is why the alert remains relevant even when local readings feel milder than neighboring areas. Smoke plumes can shift with the same weather pattern that later brings storms.
When could severe weather hit the Chicago area?
In the late afternoon and evening, McGinnis said strong to severe storms are forecast to move in from Wisconsin. Most of the Chicago area sits under a Level 2 risk, while Wisconsin is under a Level 3 risk.
Elsewhere in the Midwest, the severe-weather theme continues into Tuesday. WLWT reported that Greater Cincinnati should stay dry Monday, with strong to severe storms possible Tuesday. Chicago's immediate concern remains Monday evening.
What should residents watch for through tonight?
Through midnight, the dual focus is clear: lingering wildfire smoke under the Air Quality Alert, then the risk of strong to severe storms after a smoky, hazy day with upper-80s heat.
Keep an eye on official forecasts as the Wisconsin storm threat approaches late day. Conditions can change quickly when smoke and severe weather overlap in the same forecast window.