After shattering Columbus’ worst-ever air quality record July 17, the statewide smog is slowly subsiding in central and southwestern Ohio – but it’s not entirely gone, and areas in the northeastern part of the Buckeye State remain in the “unhealthy” category.
A statewide Air Quality Advisory remains in effect as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to spread through Ohio. The air quality index reached 554 at 6 a.m. July 17 on Columbus’ Southwest Side. A “good” AQI ranges from 0 to 50, while values above 300 are considered “hazardous,” according to AirNow.
But much like the National Weather Service predicted in anticipation of late-evening showers July 17, the weekend has brought reprieve for the region. As of 9 a.m. July 18, the AQI for Columbus had dropped down to 36.
What are current air-quality levels in Ohio?
Forecasters indicate that the worst seems to be over for wildfire smoke in the Buckeye State as plumes shift east and southeast. Here’s a breakdown of the AQI across different parts of Ohio, as of 9 a.m. July 18, according to AirNow.
“Good” means air quality is satisfactory with little to no risk of air pollution. “Moderate” means air quality is acceptable, but there could be risks for some sensitive people.
Central Ohio
Southwest Ohio
Northeast Ohio
When will Ohio’s air quality improve?
Much of Ohio’s air quality levels are improving, but they’re not completely back to normal yet.
Levels are expected to be mid-moderate throughout July 18 as partly sunny skies and warm temperatures promote ozone production, but afternoon and evening southwesterly winds and scattered thunderstorms should aid dispersion, according to AirNow.
On July 19, “a thin plume” of smoke will enter central Ohio behind a departing cold front, and coupled with sunny skies, air quality will worsen to high-moderate. This is projected to last through the start of the week on July 20.
Levels should drop to low-moderate throughout early next week as scattered thunderstorms and “an upper-level trough of low pressure” move into the Great Lakes.
Real-time air quality levels can be tracked on the AirNow website.
Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at ewozniak@dispatch.com or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Air quality rebounds in much of Ohio after record smog, but still hazy
Reporting by Emma Wozniak, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Emma Wozniak, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
