Columbus is starting the day under clear skies and temps in the low 60s, but the view is anything but crisp. A thin smoky haze and elevated ozone are already shaping plans, and the murky look is expected to stick around even as highs climb into the upper 80s this afternoon.
Afternoon Smoke And Ozone
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has issued an Air Quality Alert for parts of central Ohio from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, warning that ground-level ozone may hit levels considered “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” according to MORPC. Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield and Licking counties are all under the advisory, and active children, older adults and people with respiratory issues are urged to limit long stretches of outdoor exertion. Expect hazy skies and pockets of reduced visibility while smoke continues to mix through the region.
Afternoon Highs And Haze
By midafternoon, temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s with a light southeast breeze around 5 mph, and the National Weather Service notes that patchy wildfire smoke could keep skies looking washed out at times. Between the heat and the elevated ozone, being outside may feel tougher than the numbers on the thermometer suggest. Keep water and shade handy and be ready to cut outdoor plans short if breathing starts to feel labored.
Storms Possible Tuesday
A strong frontal system will slide through tomorrow, bringing a growing chance of showers and thunderstorms, with the most widespread activity expected from late morning into the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Some of those storms could turn severe. Damaging straight-line winds are the primary concern, with gusts up to the mid-20s mph possible, along with locally heavy downpours of roughly one-half to three-quarters of an inch. Anyone with outdoor plans tomorrow should be ready to move inside quickly and expect brief, intense rainfall that can cut visibility and bog down traffic.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Tomorrow afternoon commute looks like prime time for storm-related delays, so plan on giving yourself some extra minutes and keep an umbrella or rain jacket within reach. Youth sports organizers and anyone running outdoor events should have a backup indoor option or be prepared to pause activities on short notice when storms roll in. Avoid driving through standing water, since even shallow flooding can stall vehicles and hide hazards.
Health And Safety
People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, young children, and older adults are advised to limit prolonged exertion outside while the Air Quality Alert is active and to consider staying indoors with filtered air if possible. If you have to be out, an N95-style mask can help cut down on fine smoke particles, and current AQI readings and guidance from MORPC are worth checking before locking in plans. Anyone experiencing severe trouble breathing or chest pain should seek medical care right away.
What To Watch
We will update this forecast as the front closes in. For more background on how we got here, revisit our coverage of smoky skies and searing heat in Columbus. Before you head out, check the latest watches and warnings from the National Weather Service office in Wilmington and follow any guidance from local authorities.
.jpg){kind=link}