Cincinnati, Ohio – Residents across Greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and parts of southeast Indiana are waking up to an Air Quality Advisory as ozone levels climb toward unhealthy territory Wednesday. Officials warn that sensitive groups—including children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory conditions—should limit outdoor activities until the advisory expires at midnight.
According to the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, the advisory includes Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. Ozone levels in these areas may approach or exceed federal health standards, raising concerns for nearly two million people from Lawrenceburg and Florence to Downtown Cincinnati and Mason.
During “Alert” days, residents are urged to reduce emissions by carpooling, taking public transit, or delaying lawn mowing until after sunset. Avoid refueling vehicles before 8 p.m. and never leave cars idling, as exhaust directly increases ozone pollution. School officials and daycares in affected counties have been asked to limit outdoor activities for students, while local hospitals are preparing for a potential uptick in asthma or respiratory complaints.
This is the third air quality alert in the region this July—a pattern last seen in the summer of 2022. Unhealthy ozone is especially likely in urban corridors like Covington, Newport, and Hamilton, as well as communities near major highways including I-71 and I-75.
The advisory remains in effect through midnight, with additional alerts possible if ozone levels stay elevated. Stay updated via the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency or local news outlets for the latest information.
