The smoke has arrived.
All of Greater Akron is blanketed in hazy smoke thanks to wildfires burning in Canada.
State officials are calling the haze a “hazardous” situation particularly for those susceptible to breathing issues.
The National Weather Service warns the smoky conditions are so severe even those without breathing issues may have difficulties breathing.
The overall air quality in Northeast Ohio is expected to be the worst in two years thanks to the combination of warm humid temperatures in the 90s and the thick layer of wildfire smoke.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid going outdoors if at all possible on Thursday and Friday.
And even then it might be difficult to find relief.
“Air pollution concentrations within the local region are extremely hazardous for the general population,” the weather service said. “Efforts to minimize effects, even indoors, may be difficult to impossible.”
The haze from the smoke is expecting fog-like conditions reducing visibility for drivers and is making local landmarks disappear.
Visibility of less than a mile is possible.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert because of the dangerous wildfire smoke.
Memphis Kiddie Park situated near Cleveland is closed Thursday, July 16, for the safety of its guests.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is urging guests to take caution and limit time outdoors when visiting the park.
The city of Akron has urged residents to take caution amid the emergency and has encouraged residents to visit one of the city’s community centers should they need relief from the heat and smoke.
The National Weather Service says the smoke is expected to hang around through Friday.
Some relief is expected on Saturday when rain showers and storms are expected across the region.
The relief may come at a price.
The weather service says there is the potential for severe storms on Saturday with damaging wind and large hail possible in some of the storms.
For more information about the air quality in Greater Akron and real-time readings, visit airnow.gov.
Residents can also help by:
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Wildfire smoke blankets Akron as ‘hazardous’ air quality settles in
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
