The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Thursday for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio, along with Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky and Dearborn County, Indiana. The alert takes effect at midnight Thursday and remains in effect through 11:59 p.m. Officials said ozone levels are expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category on the Air Quality Index. The agency is encouraging residents to take steps to help reduce ozone formation, including carpooling, walking, biking or using public transportation instead of driving. Drivers are also asked to avoid idling, refuel vehicles after 8 p.m., and avoid topping off gas tanks. Residents are also encouraged to avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, oil-based paints and stains, fire pits, campfires and charcoal grills during the alert period. Officials also recommend conserving electricity by turning off lights and unplugging unused electronics and appliances.

More information is available at SouthwestOhioAir.org. 

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)