Northwest Indiana is grappling with ongoing air quality challenges due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Another Air Quality Action Day has been declared, leading to widespread event cancellations. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management announced Thursday that heavy wildfire smoke is entering the state, aggravated by meteorological conditions like light winds and stagnant air, resulting in very unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter in Northwest, North Central, and Northeast Indiana.
The haze from Minnesota and Canadian wildfires heavily affected Chicago on July 16, 2026, visible in images with the Spirit of Progress statue. Friday forecasts predict continued smoke presence across northern Indiana, extending to central and east central parts. The IDEM’s Smog Watch webpage reported fine particulate matter levels between 201 and 300 in Northwest Indiana. AirNow indicated Chicago’s air quality score at 395 out of 500.
Air quality concerns led to closures and cancellations in Northwest Indiana, including the Hobart Pool and the Summer Market on the Lake. Residents were advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly the elderly, children, and those with heart or lung conditions. The Indiana Dunes National Park urged visitors to monitor air quality on AirNow.gov and stay cautious due to varying conditions.
Munster Parks and Recreation announced on Facebook that summer camp attendees would not visit the community pool Thursday. Although Hammond’s Festival of the Lakes continued as planned, attendees were advised to stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing due to extreme heat. However, Thursday’s Hammond Farmed and Forged Market was canceled, and its Kids Day Special Market moved to July 30.
AccuWeather reports over 800 active wildfires in Canada, prompting Great Lakes states to issue air quality alerts. Smoke from southwestern Ontario has worsened the situation in Indiana, along with Air Quality Action Days declared for three consecutive days. Elevated ozone levels were noted Wednesday due to high temperatures, sunny weather, low humidity, and stagnant winds.
Ricky Castro, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, warned of potential hazy conditions developing Thursday night with an uncertain Friday forecast. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford explained air movement patterns from Canada, typically driven by high-pressure systems, pushing wildfire smoke into the Great Lakes.