Smoke from Canadian wildfires lowered Peoria's air quality to unhealthy levels on Tuesday.
The Environmental Protection Agency in Springfield declared an Air Quality Action Day until midnight and there is an air quality alert in effect until Wednesday at 5 a.m.
It's recommended that people in sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, remain inside. Everyone should avoid outdoor exercise and limit overall time spent outside.
The Peoria Park District cancelled its events and programs for Tuesday and Wednesday. The Peoria Zoo delayed the opening time on Wednesday to noon.
Poor air quality is expected to continue through Wednesday, but should begin to clear up Thursday as the weekend brings hot temperatures and the potential for storms, according to the National Weather Service in Lincoln.
