The worst air quality in three years is here as wildfire smoke from Canada sinks south across Northeast Ohio.
It has been hazy for the last few days, but the smoke is now closer to the ground. Everyone will notice the lower air quality, and you will be able to see and smell the smoke.
WATCH the latest from News 5's Allan Nosoff.
This will be the worst air quality in about three years, when Northeast Ohio experienced hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke in the summer of 2023.
A moderate AQI means air quality will not affect *most people*. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. This typically includes the elderly, young children, and those with breathing or heart problems.
The higher the AQI, the more people will be affected by poor air quality. On Thursday, the air quality index will jump to 300+, which is considered extremely hazardous for everyone. This is known as a code maroon. When the forecast is Maroon (hazardous), everyone should stay indoors and reduce activity levels. Efforts to minimize effects, even indoors, may be difficult or impossible.
Canceled events / Closed buildings
Numerous activities and events have been canceled for Friday due to the smoke:
- Rocky River outdoor pool is closed Friday morning.
- Cleveland Metroparks concert Disco Inferno at Edgewater Beach rescheduled to Aug. 20
- City of Lakewood pools closed; all activities will take place indoors.
- Garfield Heights Municipal Court is closed Friday.
- Cleveland City Hall is closed on Friday.
- Lakewood Municipal Court is closed on Friday.
- Lakewood City Hall — The City Hall Annex
- Lakewood — Cove Community Center
- Lakewood City Pools (Foster and Becks)
Lorain County
In Lorain County, the air quality issues forced people, businesses and events to make adjustments.
Smoke descended on the lake, obscuring the Lorain Lighthouse and emptying the normally busy beaches.
General Johnnie Wilson Middle School in Lorain became a backup host for several youth summer camps, including the annual Art in the Park Enjoying Art in Green Spaces event.
“The original plan was to be at Metro Parks’ Lakeview Beach. We had all of the gazebos. Everything was organized. It’s an outdoor classroom,” said creator Gloria Buxton.
Thursday morning, Buxton joined the El Centro Discover You youth camp indoors at the middle school.
“The kids were going crazy at first. They were very excited to be outside, but I had to explain that due to our safety, we had to remain inside,” said El Centro youth facilitator Emily Fairchild.
Safety was top of mind in Avon Lake, where the city’s recreation department elected to close its pool and cancel outdoor activities on Thursday.
“I think it’s really important to be proactive because not only are you worried about your participants, but I’m worried about our staff,” said recreation director Erin Fach.
East 55th Street Marina:
What's next
Rain chances begin to return on Friday. While the timing is not ideal, rain will help mix out the wildfire smoke in our atmosphere and likely improve air quality by the weekend.
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