This morning the sun was out. By early afternoon it's like some sort of mystery pseudo fog. I think it must be Canada smoke manifesting. Can't see the mountain clearly like normal.
Look at purpleair.com
Color coded, with actual numbers.
For everywhere.
Actually finding the scale there took some effort, it was short on detail, and their search feature is messed up. I ended up going elsewhere: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/
Green Good 0 to 50 Yellow Moderate 51 to 100 Orange Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101 to 150 Red Unhealthy 151 to 200 Purple Very Unhealthy 201 to 300 Maroon Hazardous 301 and higher
Details about each category at the link.
Anyhow, I knew that the info is available from numerous sources. My point is that the article should have provided a frame of reference. Absent that, "Code Orange" is useless.
Actually finding the scale there took some effort, it was short on detail, and their search feature is messed up. I ended up going elsewhere:
The strip in the lower left corner shows the definition of each color as you mouse over.
Yeah, saying "code orange" doesn't mean anything without context. Sorta like "Defcon 3" I guess.
We use purpleair regularly when we're up north or traveling. It does take a little learning curve, though.
I eventually found the AQI maps with the color-coded legend. I can see them being useful on a day-to-day basis, thanks. However, the popup definitions don't do me any good when I want to copy info to BRD.
... The National Weather Service warned the flooding could be “life-threatening,” with numerous impassable roads, overflowing creeks and streams and flooded basements across the Chicago area. Up to 6 inches of rain fell in suburban Cicero and Berwyn by midday, according to t he NWS website. Flood warnings had mostly expired by evening.
The Illinois State Police said parts of Interstate 55 and Interstate 290 have been closed because of flooding, with at least 10 cars trapped in water on Interstate 55 near Pulaski Road, a major north-south thoroughfare in the city. Trains were stopped in some parts of the city as well....
... The National Weather Service warned the flooding could be “life-threatening,” with numerous impassable roads, overflowing creeks and streams and flooded basements across the Chicago area. Up to 6 inches of rain fell in suburban Cicero and Berwyn by midday, according to t he NWS website. Flood warnings had mostly expired by evening.
The Illinois State Police said parts of Interstate 55 and Interstate 290 have been closed because of flooding, with at least 10 cars trapped in water on Interstate 55 near Pulaski Road, a major north-south thoroughfare in the city. Trains were stopped in some parts of the city as well....
Careful what you wish for.
Welcome to climate chaos.
Mostly south of me, but twas a gully washer.
Eamus Catuli~AC 000000000101010202020303010304 020405....Ahhhh, forget it, it's gonna be a while.
The plagues are: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, the killing of firstborn children and Republicans.
politically incorrect) this afternoon. 
Phew.
