why is chicago air quality bad today

Chicago's air quality is bad today mainly due to a combination of high ozone levels and smoke from Canadian wildfires. The wildfire smoke travels into the Chicago area depending on wind direction, adding particulate matter that worsens the air quality. The local emissions and pollutants also contribute to high ozone, creating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Chicago area because of these issues. Efforts are expected to improve the air quality later today as the smoke disperses somewhat, but hazy skies and lingering smoke are still present.