Thursday forecast: Haze continues to affect air quality, multiple waves of showers and thunderstorms possible, officials say

National Weather Service officials said smoke and haze blowing in from Canadian wildfires was still an issue in Chicago’s metropolitan areas, but it is a 50 % chance of thunderstorms Thursday.

Officials said widespread smoke would coat the area before 7 a.m., where temperatures were expected in the high 70s. Officials said a round of thunderstorms is expected in portions of north central and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana.

[ Chicago records second ‘very unhealthy’ air quality day, but predicting when smoke will clear is ‘uncharted territory’ ]

There was a slight risk of tornadoes in north central Illinois Thursday, and an elevated risk of damaging winds up to 70 mph. At least three rounds of thunderstorms were possible throughout the day, officials said. Damaging hail and strong winds were possible in all three rounds, officials said.

An air pollution action day was called and in effect until midnight. Ozone and particulate levels were unhealthy for residents in sensitive groups with pulmonary and respiratory conditions, officials said. Those individuals should limit prolonged activity outdoors.

Beaches in Evanston were closed Thursday due to the air quality alert, the city announced.

[ Chicago’s air quality: ‘We’re in the crosshairs.’ Wildfires and wind push region’s air to worst in the world, global pollution index shows. ]

Morning conditions at Chicago’s airports are hazy and 74 degrees.

The DuPage County Health Department was offering KN95 masks at their health centers on a first come first serve basis.