Six Flags Great America closed at 3 p.m. CDT Thursday because of poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke. The park expects to reopen Friday as scheduled.
WGN reporter Marcus Leshock shared the park's statement shortly before the early close. Six Flags said it had monitored conditions throughout the day before ending operations.
An air quality alert covering Gurnee remains in effect through Friday night. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency forecast very unhealthy particulate levels Thursday and unhealthy levels Friday.
The National Weather Service said the thick smoke may not ease until late Friday morning or early Friday afternoon. Guests planning to visit should check current air quality and Six Flags Great America's operating calendar before leaving home.
Closure statement: Marcus Leshock on X. Air quality alert: National Weather Service. Image: Six Flags Great America.