COLUMBUS – The first heat wave of the summer of 2018 triggered advisories for pollution and excessive heat.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission issued its third Air Quality Alert in a row Monday, warning that Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking counties were likely to experience unhealthy ground-level ozone pollution.
To reduce pollution, MORPC recommends carpooling, combining trips, riding COTA, and bicycling or walking.
The agency also recommends turning off your engine instead of idling your vehicle to cut down on emissions; avoid refueling your vehicle or wait until dusk when the daytime heat has diminished. Avoid topping off your tank since spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates and try not to mow your lawn; it reduces emissions and longer grass is good for the air.
Heat Advisory is in effect for the entire region from noon to 8 pm. Heat and humidity will make it feel like 100 degrees. Reduce outdoor activities. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing. Drink plenty of water. Spend more time in air
conditioned or well ventilated places. pic.twitter.com/c6FGMw0TUv— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) June 18, 2018
The National Weather Service, meanwhile posted a heat advisory for the Columbus region and all of southwestern Ohio from noon until 8:00 p.m., cautioning that heat index values would be around 100 degrees due to temperatures in the lower 90’s, and dew points in the lower 70’s, creating the potential for dangerous heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat Safety Tips
If possible, spend more time in air conditioned or well ventilated places.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
Adults should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water, or 2-4 cups of water/hour while working or exercising outside.
Children may become preoccupied with outdoor play and not realize that they are getting overheated
Check on the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions
During outdoor work, schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Healthy/OSHA
According to MORPC, a strong upper-level ridge of high pressure, warm temperatures and sunny skies will enhance ozone formation while southwest winds will transport pollutants into the region from other areas. Pollutant buildup in the region will contribute to overall pollution levels.
Under these conditions, active children, the elderly, and people with asthma and COPD are more likely to suffer an increase in symptoms. They should limit prolonged outdoor activity or plan outdoor activities for the morning hours.