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4w ago

False Air Quality Alerts on Weather Apps Cause Alarm in Chicago

A data glitch in BreezoMeter, used by Google and Apple, falsely reported hazardous air quality levels before being corrected, with officials confirming the air was safe.

Chicago: Popular weather apps spark panic by reporting dangerously hazardous AQI. Here's what really happened (Pixabay - representational image)
Early in the day, Google Maps showed Chicago’s Air Quality Index to be at hazardous levels. (Google)

Overview

  • Google and Apple weather apps displayed dangerously high AQI levels in Chicago early Wednesday, sparking public concern and altered routines.
  • The readings, which reached hazardous levels in the 400s, were later confirmed to be a data glitch caused by a third-party monitoring station error.
  • The Chicago Department of Public Health verified that the air quality was safe throughout the day, aligning with EPA’s AirNow and PurpleAir data showing good air quality.
  • BreezoMeter, a Google-owned platform that integrates multiple data sources, was identified as the source of the inaccurate readings.
  • Both Google and Apple apps reverted to accurate AQI readings by 5 p.m. Wednesday, and residents resumed normal activities after the confusion.