Columbus, Ohio – A stretch of dangerous summer weather arrives Saturday in Central Ohio, with ozone pollution and scorching heat threatening public health.
According to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect until midnight Saturday for Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking counties, including Columbus, Newark, Pickerington, and Lancaster. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary driving, refuel after 8 p.m., and delay mowing until evening to reduce ozone formation.
Temperatures in Columbus will soar to 94°F by late Saturday afternoon, under mostly sunny skies and stagnant air. Heat indices will push even higher, making outdoor activities riskier for sensitive groups. Those with asthma, children, and older adults are especially at risk under these elevated ozone conditions.
Along major travel routes like I-70 and I-71, visibility and comfort may decline, especially during peak afternoon hours. Public health officials recommend limiting exertion outdoors and choosing public transit or carpooling when possible.
Sunday brings another 94°F high with mostly clear skies. A chance for scattered thunderstorms returns Monday afternoon, offering brief relief but also increased humidity.
🗓️ Five-Day Forecast: Saturday, July 5 – Wednesday, July 10
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 94°F. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny again, high near 94°F. Light south breeze up to 7 mph.
- Monday: Chance of thunderstorms, 91°F. Rainfall could top ¼ inch in localized cells.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 88°F. Slight chance of storms in the evening.
- Wednesday: More scattered storms, high 88°F. Humid with continued summer pattern.
