The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded system that classifies air quality from Good (Green) to Hazardous (Maroon). Air quality forecasts are developed by Illinois EPA staff that monitor current weather, air quality conditions, and projected forecasts/models to determine what the air quality forecast is expected to be for the coming day.
Green: Good, 0 to 50 AQI
Yellow: Moderate, 51 to 100 AQI
Orange: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 101 to 150 AQI
Red: Unhealthy, 151 to 200 AQI
Purple: Very Unhealthy, 201 to 300 AQI
Maroon: Hazardous, 301 to 500 AQI
Orange
101 to 150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
What does this mean for community members?
Members of sensitive groups, which includes people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – should consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Watch for symptoms during outdoor activities such as coughing, wheezing, difficultly breathing and chest tightness.
- If symptoms occur: The individual might need to take a break, do a less intense activity, stop all activity, or go indoors.
Everyone else – consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- For most people it is OK to be outside and active, especially for short activities.
- For Longer activities, take more breaks and do less intense activities.
Red
151 to 200
Unhealthy
To the extent feasible, Chicago Park District programming will be moved indoors or will have limited time outdoors. Outdoor programs and events may be cancelled. Please consult with your local park about the status of any scheduled outdoor programs or events. This notification extends only to programs run by Chicago Park District staff. Please check with event or program managers for decisions about externally managed programs.
What does this mean for community members?
Members of sensitive groups, which includes people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – should consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better
Purple
201 to 250
Very Unhealthy
Chicago Park District programming will be moved indoors. Outdoor programs & events that cannot be moved indoors will be CANCELLED.
What does this mean for community members?
Members of sensitive groups, which includes people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – should consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Remain indoors as much as possible.
- Keep outdoor activities short and not strenuous.
Everyone else – consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid outdoor activities or choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
Maroon
301+
Hazardous
Chicago Park District programming will be moved indoors. Outdoor programs & events that cannot be moved indoors will be cancelled.
This notification extends only to programs run by Chicago Park District staff. Please check with event or program managers for decisions about externally managed programs.
What does this mean for community members?
Everyone is likely to be affected by this air quality. Everyone should consider taking any of these steps to reduce exposure:
- Remain indoors as much as possible.
- Pay attention to news alerts concerning air quality.
- Follow the advice of Chicago Public Health Officials concerning outdoor activity.