Chicago's air‑quality index reached 'hazardous' levels on Thursday, 16 July 2026, according to official monitoring data, as smoke from distant wildfires smothered the skyline and led officials to warn residents to stay indoors.
Across the city, people whose jobs depend on being outside, including road flaggers, delivery drivers, dog walkers and street vendors, spent the day working in the conditions that others were advised to avoid.
