Better air quality, comfortable stretch ahead for northern Illinois

Much Better Air Quality:

Thanks to a cold front sweeping through last night, we can look at the sky and say HALLELUJAH as air quality levels across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin have improved significantly. 

Behind the cold front, winds shifted to the northwest, helping push the thicker wildfire smoke out. As a result, most locales are sitting with an AQI or Air Quality Index below 50, meaning the air poses little to no risk for the general public. 

Thankfully, air quality should remain much improved through this afternoon and tomorrow. While a small amount of wildfire smoke may keep the AQI in the moderate category at times, conditions are not expected to deteriorate anywhere close to the levels we experienced late last week.   

  

Food Truck Tuesday:

The improved air quality and more comfortable temperatures will make for a pleasant evening if you are heading out for Food Truck Tuesday. Unlike last week when highs surged into the low 90s and heat index values climbed at or above 100°, this week's weather will be much more enjoyable. Temperatures are expected to remain near-average, settling in the low 80s for most of the event.  

Stephenson County Fair:

This is also great news for our views in Stephenson County, where the county fair get underway. Weather conditions look cooperative for the start of festivities with a mainly dry forecast expected into the second half of the week. Afternoon highs take a high after Monday's cold front, only reaching the low 70s on Wednesday, then upper 70s Thursday.