Cincinnati, Ohio – Residents across Greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and parts of southeast Indiana are waking up to an Air Quality Advisory on Wednesday as ozone levels climb toward unhealthy territory. Local officials are urging residents, particularly those in sensitive groups—such as children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor activities until the advisory expires at midnight.
According to the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, the advisory affects Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana. Ozone levels in these areas may approach or exceed federal health standards, which could pose a risk to nearly two million people, stretching from Lawrenceburg and Florence to Downtown Cincinnati and Mason.
During this “Alert” day, residents are encouraged to reduce emissions by carpooling, using public transit, or delaying lawn mowing until after sunset. Officials also recommend avoiding refueling vehicles before 8 p.m., and never leaving cars idling, as vehicle exhaust significantly contributes to ozone pollution. School officials and daycare centers in the affected counties have been advised to limit outdoor activities for students, and local hospitals are preparing for a potential increase in asthma or respiratory complaints.
This marks the third air quality alert in the region this July, a trend last seen during the summer of 2022. Unhealthy ozone levels are especially likely in urban areas such as Covington, Newport, and Hamilton, as well as communities near major highways like I-71 and I-75.
The advisory remains in effect through midnight, with the possibility of additional alerts if ozone levels continue to stay elevated. Stay updated on the situation through the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency or local news outlets for the latest information.
