Chicago Faces Return of Wildfire Smoke Over Weekend

Chicago residents experienced a brief respite from hazardous wildfire smoke on Friday, but officials warn that smoky conditions and severe storm threats will define the weekend. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect through at least Saturday night, with another plume of smoke expected to return by Saturday evening.

Air quality improved significantly throughout Friday, moving out of the "hazardous" category that had prompted widespread closures. The Chicago Park District reopened beaches and outdoor pools after keeping them closed for a second day on Friday morning. Other venues, including the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories, also reopened. The improvement allowed some weekend events, like the Stans Donut Run, to proceed as scheduled on Saturday, while the opening of Roscoe Village Burger Fest was postponed from Friday to Saturday.

Meteorologists said the clearing was temporary, driven by southwest winds that pushed the smoke out of the area. Those same winds are ushering in warm, humid air, with feels-like temperatures approaching 100 degrees on Saturday afternoon. This humidity will help fuel strong to severe thunderstorms expected from late morning through the...