7 days ago
Hazy fog descends over Dayton; air quality alert issued
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — As smoke from wildfires in Canada descends into the Miami Valley, local residents are feeling the difference in air quality.
An air quality alert was issued for several counties across the Miami Valley Tuesday, as Canadian wildfire smoke and high temperatures make the skies hazy across Dayton.
Canadian wildfires sending smoke into parts of Midwest, including Ohio
Local residents tell 2 NEWS the difference in air quality is noticeable, and for people with health issues that affect their lungs, this can create some serious breathing problems.
Courtney Hughes said he usually takes his dog for daily walks as part of his recovery program at Marathon Medical in Dayton.
'I usually bring her for an hour walk every day. I'll walk her from here to the bridge,' said Hughes. 'Today, the way the air quality is, it's hard to get a deep breath in. It feels like something's clogged up, every time I breathe in.'
Hughes says he has a hard time breathing when he goes outside on days with air quality alerts.
Storm Team 2 forecast: Warmer today, with more hazy sunshine and an Air Quality Alert
People like Hughes with lung illnesses, as well as older adults and young children, are at risk from pollutants in the hazy fog, which can be caused by pollen, broken down fire products and dust.
'The humidity and everything is heavy right now, so hard to breathe,' said David Glover, a Dayton resident.
Weather officials say that it is best to be informed about how your local area is being impacted by these kinds of alerts, adding that this is only the beginning of wildfire season. The Miami Valley could see more hazy skies and air quality alerts over the next several months.
Health experts say it is best to avoid being outside during peak hours of air pollution.
Air Quality Alert issued for June 3
Officials recommend coming out during the early morning hours and later evening hours when air quality tends to be improved, especially for groups that are easily impacted.
'Those more sensitive groups, the very young or the very old, they are going to experience a little more difficulty in getting around when the air quality gets like it is today,' said Dr. Roberto Colon, Premier Health's chief medical officer.
Experts recommend leaving activities like mowing the grass and filling up your gas tank until the hours when the sun begins to go down, or earlier in the day.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
