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Chicago air right now

ModerateAQI 60

Chicago’s five-day smoke forecast shows the current index and the clearest time ahead.

60
AQI now
14
PM2.5 · µg/m³
5 cleaner spots within 3 hr drive

Where are you?

Search covers Canada and the United States.

The better move within a 3-hour drive

Dates

Dates follow you into hotel searches. Live inventory is confirmed by the provider.

New Buffalo looks like the better move.82% cleaner air with a verified 1 h 30 min road trip. Rankings balance cleaner air with trip ease.

Every town is also available in the ranked list.
Chicago Local readings Clean · PM2.5 0–5 Good · 5–9 Elevated · 9–15 Polluted · 15–35 Unhealthy · 35–55 Severe · 55+
Top pick
New Buffalo
Cel-shaded illustration of New Buffalo
AQI 14
#1New Buffalo~1 h 30 min drive

Michigan· Good

Harbor Country beach town on Lake Michigan's southeast corner, the closest lake escape to Chicago, with resorts and rentals.

82% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 2.5 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 2.5/22 × 7 = 0.8 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

11.5 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

82% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:12 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Lake Geneva
Cel-shaded illustration of Lake Geneva
AQI 14
#2Lake Geneva~1 h 45 min drive

Wisconsin· Good

Resort town on a spring-fed lake in southern Wisconsin, an easy open-water escape from Chicago, with lakeside resorts.

82% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 2.5 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 2.5/22 × 7 = 0.8 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

11.5 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

82% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:12 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Michigan City
Cel-shaded illustration of Michigan City
AQI 23
#3Michigan CityChecking road route

Indiana· Good

Indiana Dunes lakefront town on Lake Michigan, an easy Chicago-area beach escape with open-water air.

70% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 4.2 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 4.2/22 × 7 = 1.3 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

9.8 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

70% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:27 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Utica
Cel-shaded illustration of Utica
AQI 36
#4UticaChecking road route

Illinois· Good

Gateway to Starved Rock's sandstone canyons on the Illinois River, a wooded river-valley base with lodges.

54% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 6.5 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 6.5/22 × 7 = 2.1 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

7.5 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

54% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:27 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Milwaukee
Cel-shaded illustration of Milwaukee
AQI 52
#5Milwaukee~1 h 50 min drive

Wisconsin· Moderate

A major Wisconsin city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

29% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 9.9 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 9.9/22 × 7 = 3.1 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

4.1 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

29% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 5:00 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 from the Milwaukee College Ave-Near Road monitor.

Directions
Still smoky
Rockford
Cel-shaded illustration of Rockford
AQI 62
#6RockfordChecking road route

Illinois· Moderate

A major Illinois city with broad lodging options and live air-quality readings for comparison when smoke shifts across the region.

Worse air than home. Don't bother.

PM2.5 is 15.2 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 15.2/22 × 7 = 4.8 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →
9% worse airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 5:00 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 from the Rockford monitor.

Directions
Still smoky
South Shore
Cel-shaded illustration of South Shore
AQI unavailable
#7South ShoreChecking road route

Illinois

Illinois community with a cached air reading available when it appears in a nearby escape search.

Air comparison pending.

Air comparison pendingChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

PM2.5 is modelled for this town.

Directions
Still smoky
Berwyn
Cel-shaded illustration of Berwyn
AQI unavailable
#8BerwynChecking road route

Illinois

Illinois community with a cached air reading available when it appears in a nearby escape search.

Air comparison pending.

Air comparison pendingChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

PM2.5 is modelled for this town.

Directions
Still smoky
Stickney
Cel-shaded illustration of Stickney
AQI unavailable
#9StickneyChecking road route

Illinois

Illinois community with a cached air reading available when it appears in a nearby escape search.

Air comparison pending.

Air comparison pendingChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

PM2.5 is modelled for this town.

Directions
Still smoky
West Ridge
Cel-shaded illustration of West Ridge
AQI unavailable
#10West RidgeChecking road route

Illinois

Illinois community with a cached air reading available when it appears in a nearby escape search.

Air comparison pending.

Air comparison pendingChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

PM2.5 is modelled for this town.

Directions
Still smoky
Auburn Gresham
Cel-shaded illustration of Auburn Gresham
AQI unavailable
#11Auburn GreshamChecking road route

Illinois

Illinois community with a cached air reading available when it appears in a nearby escape search.

Air comparison pending.

Air comparison pendingChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

PM2.5 is modelled for this town.

Directions
Still smoky
Elmwood Park
Cel-shaded illustration of Elmwood Park
AQI unavailable
#12Elmwood ParkChecking road route

Illinois

Illinois community with a cached air reading available when it appears in a nearby escape search.

Air comparison pending.

Air comparison pendingChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

PM2.5 is modelled for this town.

Directions
South Haven
Cel-shaded illustration of South Haven
AQI 6
#13South Haven~2 h 25 min drive

Michigan· Good

Harbour beach town on Lake Michigan's southwest shore, swept by onshore lake air, with waterfront hotels and rentals.

92% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 1.1 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 1.1/22 × 7 = 0.4 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

12.9 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

92% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:12 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Warsaw
Cel-shaded illustration of Warsaw
AQI 15
#14WarsawChecking road route

Indiana· Good

Indiana community with lodging and a separate live air reading for regional smoke comparisons.

81% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 2.7 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 2.7/22 × 7 = 0.9 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

11.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

81% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:27 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Holland
Cel-shaded illustration of Holland
AQI 23
#15HollandChecking road route

Michigan· Good

Dutch-heritage Lake Michigan town with a state-park beach, swept by onshore lake air, with hotels.

70% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 4.2 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 4.2/22 × 7 = 1.3 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

9.8 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

70% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 5:00 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 from the Jenison monitor.

Directions
Grand Haven
Cel-shaded illustration of Grand Haven
AQI 23
#16Grand HavenChecking road route

Michigan· Good

Lake Michigan pier town at the Grand River mouth, cooled by onshore lake wind, with a walkable boardwalk.

70% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 4.2 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 4.2/22 × 7 = 1.3 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

9.8 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

70% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 5:00 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 from the Jenison monitor.

Directions
Saugatuck
Cel-shaded illustration of Saugatuck
AQI 23
#17Saugatuck~2 h 45 min drive

Michigan· Good

Lake Michigan beach-and-dunes town on the state's west coast, cooled by onshore lake wind, with inns and B&Bs.

70% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 4.2 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 4.2/22 × 7 = 1.3 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

9.8 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

70% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 5:00 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 from the Jenison monitor.

Directions
Sauble Beach
Cel-shaded illustration of Sauble Beach
AQI 3
#18Sauble BeachChecking road route

Ontario· Good

11 km of sandy Lake Huron shoreline where westerly lake winds usually keep the air moving.

96% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 0.5 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 0.5/22 × 7 = 0.2 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

13.5 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

96% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:12 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Ludington
Cel-shaded illustration of Ludington
AQI 4
#19LudingtonChecking road route

Michigan· Good

Lake Michigan port town with a long public beach, swept by onshore lake wind, with harborside inns.

95% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 0.7 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 0.7/22 × 7 = 0.2 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

13.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

95% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:27 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Suttons Bay
Cel-shaded illustration of Suttons Bay
AQI 4
#20Suttons BayChecking road route

Michigan· Good

Leelanau Peninsula wine-country village on Grand Traverse Bay, with open-bay air and small inns.

95% cleaner than home — pack the car.

PM2.5 is 0.7 µg/m³ here vs 14 back home.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at these levels: 0.7/22 × 7 = 0.2 here; 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 at home.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →

13.3 µg/m³ less fine-particle pollution than Chicago right now

95% cleaner airChecking trip easeChecking nearby staysChecking today's weather

Observed Aug 23, 6:27 p.m. EDT

PM2.5 is estimated for this town.

Directions
Bad week ahead? Check the 7-day outlook — if it won’t clear, book the trip

7-day outlook

Plan the next seven days

Pick a day, or compare the whole week. Weather is forecast; air quality is the latest available reading.

Loading the week…

Finding the nicest days and reachable cities.

Observed Aug 23, 5:00 p.m. EDTLast scan Aug 23, 6:27 p.m. EDT · 49 min ago

Why live rankings? Smoke plumes are patchy and shift with the wind, so no direction is reliably cleaner. This list is recalculated from live PM2.5 every hour — and if everything nearby is smoky, it says so.

How we work this out →

Browse all 200 cities by province & state →

More air-quality pages in Illinois →
Peoria air qualityRockford air quality
Air quality in nearby cities →
Milwaukee air qualityMadison air qualityGrand Rapids air qualityFort Wayne air qualityIndianapolis air qualityGreen Bay air qualityToledo air qualityDayton air qualityDetroit air qualityWindsor air qualityCincinnati air qualitySt. Louis air quality

What this means · Chicago

Moderate

AQI 60

AQI = Air Quality Index

Typical person. Most people can stay active outside.

Kids, seniors, heart or lung conditions. Unusually sensitive people should consider shorter or easier outdoor effort.

The AQI on this page follows fine particles (PM2.5). Particles here are 14 µg/m³ (Elevated), so the headline and the particle scale below tell the same story.

Act two · Fine particles only

Where PM2.5 lands

This bar is smoke and fine particles (PM2.5) only. Left is cleaner air; right is heavier particle pollution. Today's particles sit in Elevated.

14 µg/m³
Clean · 0Smoky · 40Severe · 80+

Act three · Particle ladder

What each PM2.5 rung feels like

  • 0–3µg/m³Natural. About as clean as outdoor air realistically gets.
  • 3–5µg/m³Clean. Crisp, destination-worthy air.
  • 5–9µg/m³Good. Clean city air; most people will not notice anything today.
  • 9–15µg/m³Elevated. Usually no big deal today; sensitive lungs may notice hard exercise.
  • 15–35µg/m³Polluted. Smoke or traffic pollution is now worth acting on.
  • 35–55µg/m³Unhealthy. Symptoms become more likely, especially with asthma or heart disease.
  • 55+µg/m³Severe. Everyone should reduce exposure and clean the indoor air.

Act four · Felt number

Cigarettes a week

A secondary feel for the particle load only — not a medical claim, and not a substitute for AQI.

4.5/wk

What is PM2.5?

Fine particles about 30× thinner than a human hair — small enough to slip through your lungs and into your bloodstream. We measure them inµg/m³: micrograms of particle mass in a cubic metre of air.

The math

PM2.5 here is 14 µg/m³.Berkeley Earth: 22 µg/m³ for 24 h ≈ 1 cigarette.A week at this level: 14/22 × 7 = 4.5 cigarettes.A long-term health-risk equivalence, not literal smoking.See how we work it out →
See the full method →