Chicago area under air quality alert due to extreme weather conditions

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Chicago area due to poor air quality and hazy skies caused by wildfires and heat. The alert will remain in effect until midnight and advises people, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities. In addition to the air quality concerns, a heat wave with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and high humidity is expected, along with the possibility of severe storms on Wednesday. The city has opened cooling centers to provide relief from the dangerous heat.