Latest news with #AirPollutionActionDay
New York Post
4 days ago
- Climate
- New York Post
Chicago, Denver under threat of severe storms packing large hail, damaging wind
A clash of air masses on Wednesday will result in the threat of severe storms from Milwaukee and Chicago westward to Denver and the eastern Rockies. The Storm Prediction Center has placed large parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado under a 'slight' risk of severe storms – a Level 2 out of 5 on its severe storm scale. Cities such as Milwaukee, Chicago, Green Bay, Peoria, and Davenport are all included in the threat in the eastern zone, while Denver and Cheyenne are included in the western risk zone. The FOX Forecast Center says the greatest potential for severe storms will develop Wednesday afternoon and evening, as factors such as daytime heating and instability reach their peak. The stronger cells could produce hail, damaging wind, and even tornadoes, but the biggest threat will be gusty winds as the storms generally move from west to east. The threat of severe weather is expected to taper off between sunset and the overnight hours as the frontal boundary slowly moves through the region. In addition to the severe weather threat, dew points and precipitable water values are expected to be high, meaning any thunderstorm that develops will have the potential to drop 1-2 inches of rain in a short period, leading to a flash flooding threat. 4 A clash of air masses on Wednesday will result in the threat of severe storms from Milwaukee and Chicago westward to Denver and the eastern Rockies. AP Communities around Davenport, Iowa, and Chicago have already experienced significant flooding, with areas recently placed under Flash Flood Warnings and Flash Flood Emergencies. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while a foot of floodwater can cause a vehicle to stall and float away. According to NOAA historical data, an average of 127 people die from flooding each year, with nearly half of those fatalities involving vehicles. 4 The FOX Forecast Center says the greatest potential for severe storms will develop Wednesday afternoon and evening, as factors such as daytime heating and instability reach their peak. FOX Weather 4 Authorities in the Windy City declared an 'Air Pollution Action Day' on Tuesday as particle and ozone levels were expected to reach the unhealthy range. X/NWSChicago In addition to providing some drought relief, the wet weather is expected to help clear the air of wildfire smoke that has lingered over the region. Air quality alerts were in effect before the arrival of the wet weather, as wildfires from Canada and daily pollution combined to produce unhealthy levels of ozone. Authorities in the Windy City declared an 'Air Pollution Action Day' on Tuesday as particle and ozone levels were expected to reach the unhealthy range. 4 In addition to the severe weather threat, dew points and precipitable water values are expected to be high, meaning any thunderstorm that develops will have the potential to drop 1-2 inches of rain in a short period, reports say. AP The National Weather Service encouraged children and sensitive adults to limit outdoor activities and spend time in a well-ventilated setting. Once the front moves through, it should bring more pleasant weather, with highs expected to reach only the 70s on Friday and 80s on Saturday before more wet weather moves in over the weekend and into next week.
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Air quality alert in effect until midnight in Chicago area, weather officials say
Besides temperatures feeling in the high 90s Wednesday, Chicago and surrounding areas are under an air quality alert until midnight, weather officials said. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the greater Chicago area, meaning widespread ozone and particulate levels are expected to be above what is considered safe for children and adults in unhealthy groups suffering from pulmonary and respiratory conditions. Chicago and surrounding areas were under an earlier air quality alert that expired Tuesday night. A high temperature in the low 90s was expected Wednesday with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Officials are expecting that system to hit around 4 p.m. with more thunderstorms before 8 p.m. with wind gusts of about 20 mph. Current conditions at O'Hare International Airport are mostly cloudy at 78 degrees. Farther south at Midway Airport conditions are similar at 81 degrees. Officials said the heat index Wednesday will make temperatures feel in the high 90s. Under the air quality alert, those who fall under the sensitive groups category are warned to limit prolonged periods outside. Others are asked to limit emission output Wednesday.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Millions Told To Halt Outdoors Activity In 7 States
Millions of people across the United States have been advised to limit outdoors activity amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality advisories have been issued on Tuesday for parts of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Colorado. The warnings mean that ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels that could pose a risk to sensitive groups and the general public. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned in its alert notices that people who are particularly sensitive to elevated pollution levels include "the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease." "Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects," it said. "If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider." In Michigan, an Air Quality Advisory has been issued for a large swathe of south-eastern counties, covering major urban areas including Detroit, Flint and Ann Arbor. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma," the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert. In New York, an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates has been issued for large parts of the state's north-east and north-west, covering cities including Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. In Vermont, an advisory has been issued for Caledonia, Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area. This is declared when widespread ozone levels are expected to be at or above the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. Air quality alerts have also been issued across northern Minnesota and far north-west Indiana. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory has been issued for wildfire smoke in Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, and southern Mesa counties. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert: "People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment, using charcoal lighter fluid." The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said: "Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation; Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip; Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7pm; Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds; Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above." The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than five miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." The air quality alerts in Michigan, New York, Vermont, Illinois and Indiana are currently set to remain in force until midnight, while the warning in Minnesota is set to run until 11 p.m. The air quality alert in Colorado is set to expire at 9 a.m. Related Articles New Jersey Flash Flooding Sparks State of Emergency: What We KnowNew Weather Threat Takes Aim at TexasTexas Flooding Update: Volunteers Given Urgent WarningLake Mead Warning Issued Over 'Lethal Temperatures' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Halt Outdoors Activity In 7 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people across the United States have been advised to limit outdoors activity amid concerns over high air pollution levels. Air quality advisories have been issued on Tuesday for parts of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Colorado. The warnings mean that ground-level ozone concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels that could pose a risk to sensitive groups and the general public. The Willis Tower in Chicago surrounding by air pollution in July 2023. The Willis Tower in Chicago surrounding by air pollution in July 2023. Claire Savage/AP Why It Matters The National Weather Service (NWS) warned in its alert notices that people who are particularly sensitive to elevated pollution levels include "the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease." "Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects," it said. "If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider." What To Know In Michigan, an Air Quality Advisory has been issued for a large swathe of south-eastern counties, covering major urban areas including Detroit, Flint and Ann Arbor. Pollutants are expected to be in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma," the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert. In New York, an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulates has been issued for large parts of the state's north-east and north-west, covering cities including Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. In Vermont, an advisory has been issued for Caledonia, Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the greater Chicago metropolitan area. This is declared when widespread ozone levels are expected to be at or above the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" category. Air quality alerts have also been issued across northern Minnesota and far north-west Indiana. Meanwhile in Colorado, an air quality health advisory has been issued for wildfire smoke in Delta, Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, and southern Mesa counties. What People Are Saying The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said in the NWS alert: "People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation. These activities include: refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment, using charcoal lighter fluid." The Indiana Department of Environmental Management said: "Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation; Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip; Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7pm; Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds; Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above." The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said: "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than five miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy." Jonathan Grigg, professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, told Newsweek previously that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." What Happens Next The air quality alerts in Michigan, New York, Vermont, Illinois and Indiana are currently set to remain in force until midnight, while the warning in Minnesota is set to run until 11 p.m. The air quality alert in Colorado is set to expire at 9 a.m.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Chicago weather: Air quality alert called for a 2nd straight day as Canadian wildfires continue
An air quality alert is in effect until midnight Thursday for the Chicago area as Canadian wildfires continue, officials said. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency declared an Air Pollution Action Day because widespread ozone and or particulate levels are expected to be at or above the unhealthy for sensitive groups category. Officials said wildfire smoke is expected to continue to affect those levels Thursday and Friday, officials said. The same air alerts were also issued on Wednesday. Current morning conditions at O'Hare International Airport are mostly cloudy with haze at 60 degrees. At Midway Airport, conditions are foggy and misty at 61 degrees. On Thursday, highs in the upper 50s are expected. Plumes of smoke are blanketing large swaths of the U.S. and parts of Europe, which presents risks for those breathing it. The Midwest, Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. have 'very unhealthy' air quality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and experts say people should take precautions. .
