Air quality alert extended until Saturday night as unhealthy ozone levels persist

An air quality alert issued by the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has been extended until midnight Saturday.

The alert was supposed to end at midnight Friday, but the agency predicts that ozone levels in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category will persist.

The alert is for Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Clinton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky, and Dearborn County in Indiana.

Tips for minimizing pollution during an air quality alert can be found here.

The alert extension comes as harsh temperatures continue in Greater Cincinnati. A heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Wilmington is in effect in the region until 8 p.m. Saturday.

Temperatures in the 90s mixed with humidity are expected to elevate heat index values to around 100 degrees for prolonged periods on Friday and Saturday, according to the advisory.

The weather service advises that individuals take extra steps to stay safe outdoors as hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to the early morning and evening. Also, drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take action if you start to see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Air quality alert in Cincinnati extended until Saturday