Canadian wildfires 2025: Smoke from Canada forecast to move into Chicago area Friday, could leave smoky skies for weekend weather [Video]

CHICAGO (WLS) — Smoke from wildfires in Canada is moving into the Chicago area Friday evening, potentially reducing air quality.

The smoke was expected to begin moving in around mid-day before really settling in during the evening around sunset, ABC7 meteorologists said. In the afternoon, the winds direction shifted and came out of the north and northwest, bringing the smoke into the area.

Doctors are warning people about the dangers of being outside this weekend. The tiny particles can affect everyone.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an update around 3:10 p.m. Friday, saying the Canadian wildfire smoke had reached northern Illinois. The latest updates on air quality across the state can be found on the AirNow government website.