Hazardous Air Quality Expected Across Northwest Ohio

NORTHWEST OHIO — Wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada is expected to bring hazardous air quality to much of northern Ohio through Friday, prompting health officials to urge residents to limit time outdoors.

Wood County is under a Hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI), with conditions expected to persist into Friday afternoon or evening. Current AQI readings across parts of the region have ranged from 428 to 733, placing them in the highest category on the Air Quality Index scale.

The National Weather Service says smoke will reduce visibility throughout the day while creating widespread poor air quality across northern Ohio. Visibility could fall below one mile in some locations as the smoke moves south.

Officials are advising everyone to avoid prolonged time outdoors and to postpone strenuous outdoor activities. Sensitive groups—including children, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women and outdoor workers—are encouraged to remain indoors and keep physical activity to a minimum.

The current air quality is significantly worse than the Canadian wildfire smoke event that affected Ohio in 2023, when AQI values generally reached around 200, a level considered “Very Unhealthy.”

Residents who experience coughing, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort or other respiratory symptoms should move indoors and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should keep rescue medications readily available.

Air quality conditions are expected to improve as the smoke moves out of the region later Friday.