Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Canadian Wildfires Spike Chicago AQI to Record Hazardous Level

7/18/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Smoke from over 800 Canadian wildfires pushed Chicago’s AQI into hazardous levels Thursday.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency declared an Air Pollution Action Day and urged residents to stay indoors.
The EPA said the AQI topped any Chicago reading since 1999, beating the prior high of 223 in June 2023.
The AQI fell to 102 on Friday, prompting the Chicago Park District to reopen beaches, outdoor pools and park programs.

1 of 1

Story summary

Smoke from over 800 Canadian wildfires pushed Chicago’s AQI into hazardous levels Thursday.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency declared an Air Pollution Action Day and urged residents to stay indoors.
The EPA said the AQI topped any Chicago reading since 1999, beating the prior high of 223 in June 2023.
The AQI fell to 102 on Friday, prompting the Chicago Park District to reopen beaches, outdoor pools and park programs.