Chicagoans were asked to be mindful of the air quality as an alert was issued for the fourth day in a row for the city’s metropolitan area.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency determined an air pollution action day to remain in effect for the greater Chicago Metropolitan area until midnight Saturday. Widespread ozone levels are expected to be unhealthy for those with respiratory and pulmonary conditions, National Weather Services officials said.
Saturday is the ninth air pollution action day called in 2023.
Officials also said there was a slight chance of thunderstorms to arise after sunset Saturday with hail up to a nickel in size, with winds up to 60 mph in portions of north central and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana.
The storms were expected to develop in eastern Iowa in the afternoon and move into northern Illinois. Officials said the isolated storms are moving east at 40 mph.
Afternoon conditions at O’Hare International Airport are a few clouds at 89 degrees. At Midway conditions are the same with a high of 91 degrees expected.
