Hazy Chicago

I was out this morning running errands, and there was a haze outside that I initially assumed was fog. I’d been hearing about the “air quality” in Chicago for a day or so before today, but didn’t really put two and two together.

Image above is by Kiichiro Sato. I didn’t really think to take a photo while I was out, as it just seemed foggy (but did smell weird).

At work, I started seeing all kinds of distressing graphics. Liz and I made sure to not open any windows, and to try to stay inside as much as possible.

This is fine.

As I understand it, the smoke from these wildfires isn’t dissipating as quickly as they might in the cooler months. Because of the summer weather, there aren’t as many winds to break up the smoke. And something about a funnel process that just leads and leaves the smoke around the lakes.

It seems like an anomaly, but there’s this growing sense that this is not yet over. And in some ways has just started, as we go into July. If I never heard the phrase “new normal,” it’ll be too soon.

Related:
Does That… Smell Like Smoke to You?
Adrift: A Love Letter to the Fog of San Francisco (Video)
Starting the Morning with a Fire