Science & Nature
Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Could Cast Haze Over Chicago This Weekend
A smoky haze settles over Chicago due to Canadian wildfires on June 27, 2023. (Paris Schutz / WTTW News)
Wildfires are burning out of control in central Canada, and the smoke is drifting toward Chicago.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service are saying a haze could settle over Chicago on Friday, lasting through the weekend.
(National Weather Service)
In addition to potentially reduced visibility, if the smoke settles closer to the ground, it could create health concerns for people sensitive to air pollution, meteorologists said.
The most severe fires are raging in the province of Manitoba, where crews are battling nearly two dozen blazes. According to the government in Manitoba, three of those fires alone are responsible for burning nearly 500,000 acres.
I’ve spoken with Premier @WabKinew and offered Canada’s full support as his province battles wildfires around Flin Flon.
The premier and I are in close contact, and the federal government stands ready to assist Manitoba’s provincial wildfire teams.https://t.co/WV1cgPsgcf— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 29, 2025
The possibility of hazy skies comes just two weeks after a freak dust storm blanketed Chicago.
It’s been nearly two years since smoke from Canadian wildfires darkened the city’s skies and prompted air quality warnings that sent most people indoors.
Canada fire weather map. (Canadian Wildland Fire Information System)
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
