BUTLER COUNTY — Dangerous heat is settling into southwest Ohio this week, prompting local and state agencies to issue urgent warnings as heat index values climb to 100 to 105 degrees through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Butler County and much of southwest Ohio through 8 p.m. Thursday. While daytime highs are expected in the upper 80s to mid-90s, high humidity will make conditions feel significantly hotter. The Butler County Emergency Management Agency says the combination of extreme heat and muggy overnight temperatures in the 70s could increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable residents. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” BCEMA warned in its advisory.

Cooling Centers Available Across Butler County

To help residents stay safe, multiple cooling centers are available throughout Butler County, primarily at library locations.

Cooling centers include:

• Hamilton Lane Library, 300 North Third Street
• Lane Community Technology Center, 228 Court Street
• MidPointe Library branches in Liberty Township, Middletown, Monroe, Trenton, and West Chester
• Fairfield Lane Library
• Oxford Lane Library

Hamilton city officials are also reminding residents that seven city spraygrounds are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for those looking to cool off outdoors.

Spraygrounds are open at:

• Benninghofen Park
• BTW Center
• Crawford Woods
• Jim Grimm Park
• L.J. Smith Park
• Marcum Park
• Millikin Woods

State Officials Issue Heat Warning

Mike DeWine and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency are also warning Ohioans to take the heat seriously.

Governor DeWine said extreme heat remains one of the deadliest weather hazards.

“No matter where you live in Ohio, you’ll be impacted by this week’s dangerously high temperatures,” DeWine said.

State officials say older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone without access to air conditioning face the highest risk.

Recommended precautions include:

• Drink water regularly
• Avoid peak heat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing
• Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives

Rumpke Adjusting Trash Collection Schedule

Rumpke says crews may begin collection routes earlier than usual this week to reduce heat exposure for workers.

Residents are asked to place trash and recycling at the curb the night before scheduled pickup to avoid missing collection.

Pet Safety Also a Major Concern

Animal Friends Humane Society is also warning pet owners to protect animals from dangerous heat.

Officials stress that pets should never be left in parked vehicles, even briefly.

Pet safety recommendations include:

• Keep pets indoors or in shaded areas
• Provide fresh, cool water
• Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening
• Avoid hot pavement that can burn paws

Animal experts say warning signs of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Bright red gums
• Collapse

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, relatives, pets, and anyone without reliable cooling as the dangerous heat continues through Thursday.

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)