Heat advisory and air quality warning issued across Northeast Ohio - here’s when it peaks and how to stay safe

Extreme heat warnings, watches, or advisories were issued by the National Weather Service for about 100 million Americans. On July 23, a heat dome swept across a large portion of the country and gradually moved eastward.

It's about to get dangerously hot in Northeast Ohio, and the air may not be safe to breathe. As temperatures rise into the 90s this week, multiple counties have issued heat advisories and air quality alerts. Officials are urging residents to keep themselves safe, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Air quality warning issued across Northeast Ohio

A heat advisory and a ground-level ozone alert are in effect until Thursday. NOACA has issued a warning in anticipation of "ground-level ozone."

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency has issued an air quality advisory for Greater Cleveland and Akron, effective from midnight and lasting throughout Wednesday 23 July, according to a report by WKYC.

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Which counties are under alert, and what’s causing it?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "ground-level ozone" "occurs when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight."

NOACA says the warning is issued in anticipation of this phenomenon. Wednesday's temperatures are predicted to reach the low 90s, which could make the air "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

The affected counties include Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Meridian, Portage, and Summit through Wednesday, July 23.

What should residents do to stay safe?

Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions are examples of "sensitive groups." Individuals who fall into those categories should limit their time spent outside and monitor the most recent air quality readings.

NOACA also provides the following advice to help reduce air pollution:

• Reduce your driving by taking the bus, biking, walking, working from home, and combining trips.

• Go for a more efficient mode of transportation.

• Turn off your engine and avoid idling.

• After sunset, fill up your tank again.

• Hold off on mowing the lawn.

What’s the latest on the heat advisory?

The majority of Northeast Ohio is under a HEAT ADVISORY from 11 a.m. on Wednesday through 8 p.m. on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Among the counties covered by the heat advisory are Ashland, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Stark, and Wayne, as per a report by Fox8.

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Here’s when it peaks and how to stay safe

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will see highs close to 90 degrees. It appears that this week's hottest day will be Thursday. Thursday afternoon heat indices could reach 100 degrees.

High humidity levels combined with the soaring temps will make it feel even hotter. Thursday is expected to be the most oppressive day, with “feels-like” temps climbing into the triple digits in some areas.

The likelihood of storms will start to increase again late Thursday, continue into Friday, and persist into the weekend.

Storms and pockets of intense rain are expected to result from a stalled front. Between each storm, there will be sunshine.

High humidity will persist until Tuesday of next week. This weekend and the beginning of next week will see temperatures return to the mid- to upper-80s. After next Wednesday, the pattern becomes more agreeable. The first week of August is a little less humid and cooler.

The daily forecast looks like this:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, high near 89°F
• Thursday: Hottest day, high of 94°F, humid
• Friday: Storms possible late, high near 88°F
• Saturday: More storms likely, high of 84°F
• Sunday: Scattered storms, muggy, high around 85°F

Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours (typically noon to 5 p.m.), and check on elderly neighbors or those without air conditioning.

Avoid adding to ground-level ozone during hot daylight hours. Seek air-conditioned environments by visiting malls, libraries, or cooling centers if needed.

This has already been one of the hottest summers in Northern Ohio in over 80 years, rivaling the brutal summer of 1995. Before heading outside, stay alert, cool, and check the heat index and air quality forecast.

FAQs

Who is the most at risk during this advisory?
Children, seniors, and those with breathing problems should limit their time outside.

When do you expect the heat to peak?
Thursday is likely to be the hottest day, with "feels-like" temperatures topping 100°F.