Cleveland, Ohio – Ground-level ozone levels are expected to spike across Northeast Ohio, triggering an Air Quality Advisory from midnight tonight through midnight Wednesday, July 23. The advisory warns that the air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory issues in counties ranging from Lorain and Cuyahoga to Summit, Portage, and Ashtabula.
According to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), rising ozone levels, exacerbated by stagnant weather conditions and regional pollution, will push air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category throughout Cleveland, Akron, Mentor, Medina, and other nearby cities. Residents are urged to monitor real-time air readings at airnow.gov and sign up for text alerts at enviroflash.info.
The most significant impacts are expected near busy highways and city centers, where ozone concentrations will be highest. Local agencies recommend limiting outdoor exertion, particularly for children, seniors, and individuals with asthma or lung disease. Commuters are advised to combine trips, use public transit, or work from home to reduce emissions. Additional tips include avoiding engine idling, refueling vehicles after sunset, and holding off on lawn mowing until air quality improves.
The Cleveland Division of Air Quality, Ohio EPA, and local partners note that this ozone surge mirrors past mid-summer advisories and could worsen if weather conditions remain dry and calm.
Air quality advisories will remain active through Wednesday night, with updates provided if conditions change. Stay alert for new warnings and take steps to keep the air cleaner in your community.
