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Chicago\u2019s air quality on Monday was considered \u201cunhealthy for sensitive groups\u201d as wildfire smoke from Canada<\/a> blanketed the area.<\/p>\n An elevated concentration of microscopic particles in the air makes it \u201cunhealthy for sensitive groups,\u201d according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s \u201cAirNow\u201d interactive map<\/a>. <\/p>\n People should reduce their exposure to outdoor air if they have heart or lung disease, are older adults, children or teens, according to the EPA.<\/p>\n The effects of wildfire smoke, if it lingers into the week, could be compounded by an impending heatwave in the forecast.<\/p>\n Cook County is under a heat watch through Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature could rise to feel like 105 to 110 degrees on Wednesday<\/a>.<\/p>\n A chance of thunderstorms Thursday night, as well as a potential cold front Friday, could offer some relief, though that is not yet certain, forecasters say.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n