Chicago air is dirtier in July than smog-choked Los Angeles

Published: July 10, 2020

After missing out on cleaner air during the coronavirus lockdown, the Chicago area just suffered its longest streak of high-pollution days in more than a decade.

Air quality has been so poor, the entire Chicago area ended up dirtier than notoriously smog-choked Los Angeles during the beginning of the month, according to a Tribune review of federal data.

Unusually hot, sunny weather in the Midwest contributed to Chicago’s dirty air. Here are 4 charts to help explain the recent heat wave.

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