Updated: Friday, July 17, 2026
In this guide
Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada continues to blanket Ohio, prompting another statewide Air Quality Advisory and leaving much of central Ohio under hazy, smoke-filled skies.
The smoke has pushed air quality into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category across much of the state, with some areas expected to briefly reach “Unhealthy” conditions as smoke concentrations fluctuate throughout the day.
Canadian wildfire smoke continues to push air quality into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range across central Ohio, with conditions expected to change throughout the day.
It’s Not Just Columbus
This is far from a local weather event. It’s part of a massive smoke plume stretching across much of the Midwest and Northeast.
Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn across Canada, with some of the largest fires in western Ontario producing enormous amounts of smoke. Winds have carried that smoke deep into the United States, triggering air quality alerts across more than 20 states, including Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, and much of New England.
Major cities including Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and New York City have all experienced smoky skies this week, with some areas seeing air quality briefly deteriorate into the “Very Unhealthy” range. Central Ohio remains directly in the path of the smoke plume, which is expected to linger through Friday.
What to Expect in Central Ohio
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a statewide Air Quality Advisory for Friday as wildfire smoke continues drifting into the region.
Fine particle pollution from the smoke is expected to be the primary concern, with air quality ranging from “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Unhealthy” depending on where you are and how smoke concentrations shift throughout the day.
While Columbus isn’t expected to see the dramatic orange skies that blanketed parts of the country during the historic 2023 wildfire smoke event, the haze will likely remain noticeable, especially during the morning and afternoon. Even if the sky doesn’t look especially smoky, the tiny particles suspended in the air can still affect your health.
Who Should Take Extra Precautions?
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions are most likely to be affected by today’s smoky conditions.
Health officials recommend limiting prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed when possible, and running air conditioning on recirculate if available. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, or heart palpitations should seek medical attention immediately.
Even if you don’t have an underlying health condition, you may notice irritated eyes, a scratchy throat, coughing, or headaches after spending extended time outdoors.
How You Can Help Reduce Air Pollution
While the wildfire smoke is coming from hundreds of miles away, local pollution can make air quality even worse during an alert.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) recommends taking a few simple steps to help reduce emissions:
- Avoid unnecessary driving if possible.
- Turn off your engine instead of idling.
- Wait until evening to refuel your vehicle.
- Avoid topping off your gas tank.
- Hold off on mowing the lawn or using gas-powered yard equipment until the alert has ended.
Stay Updated Before Heading Outside
Air quality can change quickly throughout the day as wind patterns shift and smoke concentrations rise or fall.
Before spending extended time outdoors, check the latest conditions on the EPA’s AirNow website or sign up for free Air Quality Alert emails through MORPC.
Forecasters expect conditions to gradually improve this weekend as weather patterns shift and rain moves into parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, helping disperse some of the lingering wildfire smoke.
How You Can Help Reduce Air Pollution
While the wildfire smoke is coming from hundreds of miles away, local pollution can make air quality even worse during an alert.
MORPC recommends taking a few simple steps to help reduce emissions:
- Avoid unnecessary driving if possible.
- Turn off your engine instead of idling.
- Wait until evening to refuel your vehicle.
- Avoid topping off your gas tank.
- Hold off on mowing the lawn or using gas-powered yard equipment until the alert has ended.
- Stay Updated Before Heading Outside
Before spending extended time outdoors, check the latest conditions on the EPA’s AirNow website or sign up for free Air Quality Alert emails through MORPC.
Relief is on the way. Forecasters say rain expected later this week should help disperse much of the smoke across the Great Lakes and Ohio, leading to improved air quality heading into the weekend.
