Air quality across the Cincinnati metro area and surrounding counties will be a concern through midnight Monday, with elevated ozone levels threatening to reach unhealthy levels.
An Air Quality Advisory has been issued by the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency for Butler, Hamilton, Clermont, and Warren counties in Ohio, Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky, and Dearborn County in Indiana.
The advisory, which began early Saturday morning, will remain in effect until midnight EDT Monday night.
Details of the Air Quality Advisory
The advisory covers several counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, including Florence, Covington, Middletown, and Downtown Cincinnati. Ozone pollution is expected to increase during the afternoon hours, with the highest concentrations likely to occur when temperatures are at their peak.
Health Risks and Precautions
Elevated ozone levels can be harmful, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Health officials recommend that residents limit driving, avoid daytime lawn mowing, and postpone refueling vehicles until after 8 p.m. on affected days. By doing so, they can help reduce the amount of pollution contributing to the unhealthy air quality.
Ozone pollution is common during warm, sunny days with light winds, and with hot June temperatures expected, the air quality will likely worsen throughout the weekend. Carpooling or using public transportation is encouraged to help reduce pollution levels, especially as the air quality advisory continues into Monday night.
What to Expect Beyond Monday
Air quality conditions will be reevaluated Monday evening, and residents are advised to monitor updates on local air quality. Additional advisories or warnings could be issued if ozone levels remain high or increase further. Residents can access real-time air quality updates and tips at southwestohioair.org/local_air_quality.
As ozone levels rise across the Cincinnati area and surrounding counties, it is crucial for residents to take precautions to protect their health. Limiting outdoor activities, reducing driving, and staying updated on air quality alerts are all important steps to stay safe. The advisory is set to last until midnight Monday, but conditions will continue to be monitored closely.
