Air Quality Warning for Northeast Ohio on Sunday

An air quality warning has been issued for several counties and communities in northeast Ohio.

The warning is in effect until midnight Sunday for Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Medina, Summit and Portage counties, including the cities of Lorain, Elyria, North Ridgeville, Avon Lake, Cleveland, Mentor, Willoughby, Eastlake, Painesville, Willowick, Wickliffe, Chardon, South Russell, Bainbridge, Chesterland, Middlefield, Burton, Jefferson, Orwell, Andover, Roaming Shores, Brunswick, Medina, Wadsworth, Akron, Kent, Aurora, Streetsboro, Ravenna, Ashtabula, Conneaut and Geneva.

Air quality today will be unhealthy for sensitive groups. This is due to ground-level ozone, not wildfire smoke. Ground-level ozone is created when pollutants from human activities and natural sources react in the presence of sunlight and heat. Ground-level ozone is usually highest on warm/hot days with low humidity and when winds are light or stagnant.

Although there is some smoke in our atmosphere, it should not affect anyone’s health. During this time, the ground is dry. If you have respiratory problems, have young children, or are elderly, it is recommended that you limit your outdoor activities and avoid overexerting yourself. Be sure to check air quality readings on airnow.gov.

How you can help our region reduce air pollution: