Cincinnati has been upgraded to a 5-day heat advisory; air quality warning issued for Monday

Sweltering conditions and poor air quality are expected across the area this week as heat and humidity increase.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a heat advisory Monday through Friday. Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren counties in Ohio will be under surveillance, as will Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties in Kentucky and Dearborn, Franklin, Switzerland and Ohio counties in Indiana.

According to the report, a prolonged period of dangerously warm conditions with heat index values ​​near 100 degrees will occur across the region.

Peak temperatures in the mid-90s will be exacerbated by low temperatures in the 70s, so there will be little relief, even at night.

Temperatures are expected to peak Monday and Friday, with a high of 98 degrees in the forecast.

The weather service recommends that people take extra precautions outdoors because high temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities in the early morning and evening. Also drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on family and neighbors.

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

In addition to the heat, thunderstorms are also possible this afternoon and evening. The storms can cause locally damaging wind gusts.

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has also issued an air quality warning through Monday evening.

Areas under the warning include Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio, Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky, and Dearborn County in Indiana.

According to the National Air Quality Index, ozone pollutants are expected to reach 110 at the “orange” level. This level is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially young children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.

The public is encouraged to limit outdoor exertion, especially sensitive groups.

What should you do in the event of an air quality alarm?

• Take the bus, carpool or walk instead of driving.

• Fuel your car after 6 p.m. Do not refill while refueling and tighten the fuel cap.

• Do not let your vehicle idle.

• Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary trips.

• Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes.

• Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment.

• Avoid using oil-based paints and stains.

• Never burn leaves or other garden waste.

• Burn clean, dried wood in fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves.

• Avoid using fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential heating of your home.

• Save electricity.

Detailed 7-day weather forecast for Cincinnati

Monday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 98. Heat index values ​​rising to 105. Calm winds becoming southwesterly at 5 to 7 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts less than one-tenth of an inch, except higher amounts are possible with thunderstorms.

Monday night: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts less than one-tenth of an inch, except higher amounts are possible with thunderstorms.

Tuesday: Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after the afternoon. Partly sunny and warm, with a high near 97. Heat index values ​​as high as 104. Calm winds shifting south around 6 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday night: Some chance of rain and thunderstorms between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday (June): Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm winds shifting southward in the afternoon, around 5 mph.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 97.

Friday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 98.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.

Sunday: There is a chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. There is a 30% chance of precipitation.

Source: National Weather Service in Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati area under heat advisory; air quality warning issued Monday