{"url_path":"/weather/alerts/2.49.0.1.840.0.fc36f33ababded624aaff4ccd8d8b433031b0296.001.1","section_key":"alert","section_title":"Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 12:50PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL","topic":"weather","document":{"doc_type":"alert","doc_date":"2026-07-19","source_url":"https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.fc36f33ababded624aaff4ccd8d8b433031b0296.001.1","accession_number":null,"cik":null,"ticker":null,"issuer_name":null,"edgar_url":null,"primary_entity_key":null,"primary_entity_name":"NWS Chicago IL"},"word_count":368,"has_tables":false,"body_markdown":"# Air Quality Alert: Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 12:50PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL\n\n**Severity:** Unknown\n**Certainty:** Unknown\n**Urgency:** Unknown\n**Areas:** Winnebago; Boone; McHenry; Lake; Ogle; Lee; De Kalb; Kane; DuPage; La Salle; Kendall; Grundy; Kankakee; Livingston; Iroquois; Ford; Northern Cook; Central Cook; Southern Cook; Northern Will; Southern Will; Eastern Will\n**Issued by:** NWS Chicago IL\n**Sent:** 2026-07-19T12:50:00-05:00\n**Effective:** 2026-07-19T12:50:00-05:00\n**Expires:** 2026-07-21T00:00:00-05:00\n\n## Description\nThe Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Areawide\nAir Pollution Action Day for Monday July 20th for portions of\nIllinois. This is in addition to the ongoing Areawide Air Pollution\nAction Day in effect today July 19th for the same areas.\n\nAn Areawide Air Pollution Action Day is declared when weather\nconditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels\nare forecast to be at or above the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups\n(USG) category in all or nearly all Illinois AQI forecast sectors.\n\nAreas both inside and outside of the Action Day coverage area are\nlikely to see smoke/particulates to a varying degree and duration\ntoday and Monday with smoke likely decreasing from southwest to\nnortheast through the day Monday. Those with air quality concerns or\nanyone in Illinois with outdoor plans is encouraged to check current\nNowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow. gov.\nBefore going outside, checking the NowCast AQI will help identify\nperiods of both poor and cleaner air quality regardless of the level\nof the daily 24-hour AQI forecast.\n\nAQI Category Guidance Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) - Members\nof sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general\npublic is less likely to be affected. Sensitive groups: Make outdoor\nactivities shorter and less intense. Its OK to be active outdoors,\nbut take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or\nshortness of breath. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action\nplan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease:\nSymptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual\nfatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these,\ncontact your health care provider. Unhealthy - Sensitive groups:\nAvoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or\nmoving activities indoors. Everyone else: Reduce long or intense\nactivities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities.\n\n\nMedia Contact... Illinois EPA"}