Chicago Air Quality Index & Realtime Air Pollution
Primary Air Pollutants Chicago (Illinois)
Hourly forecast Chicago (Illinois)
Health Recommendations for Chicago Residents
Based on current air quality: Unhealthy · AQI 159
UV Index
6.3
High
High UV levels — apply sunscreen and limit direct sun exposure.
Wind
4 km/h
Calm or light air — barely noticeable.
Historical AQI Data Chicago (Illinois)
United States Major Cities AQI Overview
New York
95
Temp.
29.5°C
Hum.
38%
Los Angeles
74
Temp.
22°C
Hum.
88%
Chicago
169
Temp.
28.9°C
Hum.
76%
Houston
56
Temp.
30.9°C
Hum.
64%
Phoenix
56
Temp.
29.2°C
Hum.
57%
San Francisco
37
Temp.
13.5°C
Hum.
97%
Seattle
35
Temp.
15.8°C
Hum.
79%
Denver
40
Temp.
27.3°C
Hum.
33%
Philadelphia
156
Temp.
28.8°C
Hum.
49%
San Antonio
30
Temp.
27.7°C
Hum.
82%
Dallas
57
Temp.
30°C
Hum.
72%
Atlanta
38
Temp.
31°C
Hum.
63%
Most Polluted Cities by AQI United States
Explore live air quality data for the most polluted cities in the country.
| Rank | City | AQI | AQI Status | Standard Value | Notify |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | 179 | Unhealthy | 22x above Standard | |
| 2 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | 178 | Unhealthy | 21x above Standard | |
| 3 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 174 | Unhealthy | 20x above Standard | |
| 4 | Lansing, Michigan | 173 | Unhealthy | 19x above Standard | |
| 5 | Chicago, Illinois | 172 | Unhealthy | 19x above Standard | |
| 6 | Detroit, Michigan | 172 | Unhealthy | 19x above Standard | |
| 7 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 165 | Unhealthy | 16x above Standard | |
| 8 | Richmond, Virginia | 163 | Unhealthy | 16x above Standard | |
| 9 | Akron, Ohio | 161 | Unhealthy | 15x above Standard | |
| 10 | Toledo, Ohio | 161 | Unhealthy | 15x above Standard |
Health Advice For People Living in Chicago
per day
Breathing the air in this location is equivalent to smoking 3.2 cigarettes a day.
Prevent Health Problems: Understand Your Risks
Chicago · Current air quality: Unhealthy · AQI 159
Headaches
Risk of Headaches symptoms is High when AQI of Chicago is Unhealthy (151-200).
Typical signs can include: Pressure or tightness around the forehead and temples, Sensitivity to light or smell, Fatigue or difficulty concentrating.
- Choose indoor, clean indoor air when the AQI is elevated.
- Stay hydrated and take short breaks from devices or harsh light if you are migraine-prone.
- If you Make use of prescribed migraine meds, Keep close them accessible.
- Try not to do intense outdoor exercise during worse AQI periods.
- Don’t ignore worsening symptoms that feel unusual for you.
Disclaimer: The health risks mentioned above are precautionary recommendations based on current AQI levels. While you may not experience immediate effects, prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to these health issues over time. This is not medical advice. Please consult a clinician if you experience severe, unusual, or worsening symptoms.
Air Quality FAQs at Chicago, Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
About Air Quality
The current real-time AQI (US) level in Chicago, Illinois is 159 (Unhealthy). This was last updated recently.
The best AQI (US) level was generally lower during the early afternoon in the last 24 hours.
The worst AQI (US) level typically peaks during early morning or late evening hours due to temperature inversion.
The AQI (US) levels in Chicago, Illinois have been fluctuating throughout the last 24 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Current AQI (US) levels are unhealthy for everyone. It's advised to adjust your outdoor activities based on personal sensitivity.