Smoke From Canada’s Wildfires Creating Hazy, Red Skies in Chicago

Smoke from wildfires in Canada is making for colorful sunrises and sunsets in Chicago, as seen May 18, 2023. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)Smoke from wildfires in Canada is making for colorful sunrises and sunsets in Chicago, as seen May 18, 2023. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

Smoke from raging wildfires in western Canada has reached Chicago, creating hazy skies and making for redder sunrises and sunsets.

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The effects were initally limited to the upper levels of the atmosphere in Chicago, but by Friday the smoke was expected to reach lower levels and leave a burning smell, according to the National Weather Service.

It's possible, meteorologists said, that the smoke could linger into next week.


Nearly 1.3 million acres have burned in an uncommonly active fire season in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, which have been in the grips of heatwave. A lack of rain has worsened the situation.  

Satellites have tracked the plume of smoke across the northern U.S. 


Why does the smoke make for redder skies? Here's an excellent explanation.


This article originally published on May 17. It has been updated with new forecast information.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]

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