Columbus, Ohio – Central Ohioans are waking up to an Air Quality Alert Wednesday, with ozone levels expected to reach unhealthy thresholds across the region until 9 p.m. tonight. Residents in Columbus, Delaware, Newark, Lancaster, and Pickerington are urged to take extra precautions as high ozone could impact anyone spending time outdoors.
According to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the alert covers Franklin, Delaware, Licking, and Fairfield counties through Wednesday evening. Ground-level ozone may climb above safe standards, raising the risk for breathing problems, especially among children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
Local agencies recommend reducing time outside, carpooling or using public transportation, and avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn equipment until after 8 p.m. Residents are also encouraged to refuel vehicles in the evening and avoid unnecessary idling, which can help limit ozone formation on high-alert days.
Those with asthma or heart disease should monitor symptoms closely and stay indoors when possible. The last time ozone levels spiked this high in July was during the 2022 summer heatwave.
The Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday. Additional alerts could be issued if ozone levels remain elevated into Thursday.
