Forecast: Hazy sunshine and mild temps to end the weekend

Don’t let the sunshine fool you, a layer of haze will linger across the area Sunday, giving the skies a muted glow.

Expect highs in the low to mid-80s inland, while lakefront neighborhoods stay cooler with temps in the upper 70s.

An Air Quality Alert is in effect until midnight Monday.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the “Air Pollution Action Day” designation will remain in effect for the greater Chicago metropolitan area through Sunday night.

A Chicago area “Air Pollution Action Day” is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particular levels are expected to be at or above the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category of the air quality index for multiple days.

Active children and adults, especially people with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activity.

Area residents are urged to reduce pollution levels. Air quality forecasts, current air quality, and tips on how you can reduce your emissions can be found at www.airnow.gov.

Sunday temperatures

Highs creep a bit higher, reaching the lower 80s inland, but light easterly lake breezes will keep readings in the middle 70s on area beaches and close to Lake Michigan. 

The extended outlook calls for us to stair-step our afternoon temps up towards the 90s for Thursday/Friday/Saturday of this week.

Chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms possible each afternoon and evening starting Monday, with a slight chance each day into next weekend.