UPDATE 12:26 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023

The National Weather Service says the Air Quality Alert has now been extended to 5:30 Saturday morning. Stay safe!

ORIGINAL STORY

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is forecasting unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups for ozone for all of Illinois until midnight tonight.

Warm, dry and sunny weather along with intensifying drought conditions are major contributing factors for ozone formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts and levels can normally be found at AirNow.gov, but the unique widespread nature of this episode prompted this extra National Weather Service alert.

Active children and adults, especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity.

Residents are urged to reduce pollution levels. Air quality forecasts and tips on how you can reduce your emissions can be found at www.airnow.gov.