Cleveland, Ohio – Unhealthy ozone levels are set to affect Northeast Ohio starting tonight, with an Air Quality Advisory in place from midnight tonight until midnight Thursday, July 24. This advisory impacts Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties.
Ozone Levels and Health Risks
According to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), weather conditions are expected to trap pollutants, raising ground-level ozone to unsafe levels for sensitive groups.
These groups include children, seniors, and anyone with respiratory issues such as asthma. Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities and check current air quality readings at airnow.gov to stay informed.
Impacted Areas and Precautions
Communities from Cleveland and Akron to Mentor, Elyria, Medina, and Painesville will experience hazy skies and an increased risk for respiratory issues. Local agencies strongly advise residents to:
Limit heavy outdoor exertion during the day.
Keep windows closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering.
Run air conditioning in recirculation mode if possible to filter out pollutants.
Exercise extra caution during the afternoon hours when ozone levels typically peak, especially near busy roads or highways.
Tips for Reducing Air Pollution
To help reduce air pollution, NOACA and local partners recommend:
Reducing driving and carpooling to limit vehicle emissions.
Postponing lawn mowing or any outdoor activities that could contribute to air pollution.
Refueling vehicles after sunset to prevent additional ozone formation.
For alternative travel options, commuters can visit gohiocommute.com/noaca and sign up for text alerts at enviroflash.info.
Duration and Future Alerts
The Air Quality Advisory is in effect until midnight Thursday, but additional alerts may be issued if the stagnant weather persists, causing prolonged air quality issues.
