Mystery Odor Across Illinois Has Residents Asking One Big Question

Have you smelled something foul when you've stepped outside in Illinois or Wisconsin over the last few days? You're not alone, and experts say weather conditions could be to blame for the funky smells.

What's That Smell?

For the last four or five days, residents across Illinois, Wisconsin, and even southwest Indiana have been reporting a mysterious, foul, chemical-like odor hanging in the air.

I smelled something funky when my family was leaving for a basketball game on Saturday, but I just assumed it was a farm smell I am unfamiliar with since my neighborhood is partially surrounded by farmland.

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To me it smelled very chemically, and other Illinois residents have described the smell as "burning electronics", "Windex", "sewage", and "melting plastic", which are all very concerning.

So, now the big questions are: What is the smell, and most importantly, where is it coming from?

Foul Odors Reported Across Illinois

If you're tired of plugging your nose when you step outside, I wish I had some answers for you.

The truth is, no one seems to know for sure where the foul odor is coming from, but experts do have some possible suspects.

1. Weather Conditions

Illinois may be loving the mild temps we're experiencing right now, but CBS News Chicago Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon says the smell could be coming from warm air that's trapping ozone pollution in our atmosphere.

2. Industrial Emissions

Many experts are confident that the smell is originating from somewhere south of us, and wind patterns could be treating us to the smells of an industrial plant.

Ready for some good news?

While hundreds of odor complaints have been received, no major illnesses have been caused by the smell. Also, if wind is to blame for bringing the smell to our area, we should see some relief over the next few days.

Until then, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will continue to research the cause and hopefully provide concrete answers soon.