As per reports, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission extended the air quality alert for Central Ohio on Saturday (07 June), due to persistent wildfire smoke from Canada.
• The air quality index (AQI) reached 123, indicating conditions that are unhealthy for older adults and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
• The alert follows a previous forecast (issued on 04 June) suggesting improvement between 06 June to 08 June; however, air pollution levels have since increased.
• High levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) from Canadian wildfires continue to be funneled into Ohio, degrading local air quality.
• Rainfall and possible thunderstorms are forecast by the National Weather Service through the night of Saturday (07 June), which may help reduce airborne pollutants.
• Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday (08 June), as rainfall clears out smoke particles from the atmosphere.
