COLUMBUS – Central Ohio residents were sweltering through the 13th consecutive day of 90-degree plus temperatures as the region closes in on a heat-wave record set more than nearly 140 years ago.
A Heat Advisory was in effect for the Columbus area and nearly the entire state of Ohio, as well as parts of Indiana and Kentucky, from noon until 8:00 p.m. Thursday with high temperatures forecast in the 90’s and heat index values reaching up to 100 degrees.
[435 PM] A Heat Advisory has been issued for Thursday as the heat rolls on. It will be the most uncomfortable day of an already hot week, and heat indices will approach or exceed 100F in many locations. Plan to get outdoor work done early in the A.M. or late in the P.M. if psbl pic.twitter.com/hfGWKb9kGB
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) July 8, 2020
The last time the area saw 13 straight days in the 90’s was 1940 and the record of 14 days was set in July 1881.
Residents were advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and in air-conditioned rooms, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
They were also warned that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Ohioans were reminded to take extra precautions if they work or spend time outside, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911. -Source: Natl. Weather Service
The heat warning was coupled an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday and Thursday as the high temperatures and mostly sunny skies combined to increase ozone formation while light winds hindered dispersion, allowing pollutants to accumulate in the air, which are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
To help alleviate the effects of the higher pollution levels, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission recommends combining trips and bicycling or walking to nearby destinations.
Turn off engine instead of idling your vehicle to cut down on vehicle emissions.
Avoid refueling your vehicle or wait until dusk to refuel. Filling up your tank when the daytime heat has diminished helps to reduce harmful ground-level ozone pollution.
Avoid topping off your tank at the gas station. Spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates.
Avoid mowing your lawn or using other gas-powered lawn equipment. Longer grass in your yard is good for the air, as well as the lawn. -Source: MORPC
Scattered showers and storms were possible Friday afternoon into Saturday and WBNS 10-TV meteorologist Jeff Booth said daytime temperatures would drop back into the 80’ Saturday and Sunday but could be back into the 90’s by mid-week.