The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has once again issued an air quality alert for Illinois, that remains for the remainder of the weekend.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has moved into Illinois with the changing air circulation patterns. The alert was issued Saturday afternoon and the smoke has intensified since. As of Saturday evening, air quality levels for Lake County is at 126AQI this is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

“I can really smell it outside,” said Janice Hastings of Long Grove. “It is kind of like a smoldering camp fire everywhere you go.”

According to an NWS model, a band of air with more concentrated smoke is moving into our area. It will remain important to be aware of the AQI levels as they appear to be rising.