Impacts of the heat dome: Heat advisory issued Friday for most of Ohio
Friday is going to be hot in northeast Ohio, dangerously hot, according to the National Weather Service.
A heat advisory has been issued for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, with high temperatures expected around 94 degrees and a heat index that could approach 105.
And as if that wasn't bad enough, the weather service issued an air quality alert for Friday as well.
Forecasters say Friday's spike in temperature will be temporary, as the heat dome over the central U.S. and Midwest will only push eastward into the upper Ohio valley for one day. While they don't expect there to be record-breaking heat, meteorologists say Friday should be the warmest day thus far this summer.
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Severe thunderstorms are once again possible Friday evening into Friday night, and much of the area is in a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather. The main threats are damaging winds and torrential rainfall. Have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings. #ohwx #pawx. pic.twitter.com/eKW9x3iHUx
— NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) July 27, 2023
Forecasters say Friday night's low should be around 70, with showers and thunderstorms likely between midnight and 5 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm later Saturday morning. The chance of precipitation is 70%, dropping slightly to 60% during the day Saturday.
Saturday's high is expected to be around 84, dropping to around 63 overnight.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday should all be around 80 under mostly sunny skies, with overnight lows around 57.
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How long with the heat advisory last?
The heat advisory is set to end at 7 p.m. Friday, according to NWS.
Hazardous ozone levels in forecast
An Air Quality Advisory for ground-level ozone has been issued for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit Counties. The advisory will be effective from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday.
The advisory means air quality levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and those with breathing difficulties. Individuals are advised to monitor their time outdoors. Ozone is often lower in the mornings.
Air quality readings are available at AirNow.gov. Sign up for air quality alerts at enviroflash.info.
Increasing humidity today with heat index values into the upper 80's to mid 90's. Much more humid on Friday with heat index values into the upper 90's to near 104. pic.twitter.com/wyfnfWpaNa
— NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) July 27, 2023
What is heat index?
The heat index represents conditions in the shade. Those exposed to direct sunlight can experience heat index values 15 degrees higher, according to the weather service.
The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. The higher the humidity, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate and thus cool the body.
🧊 EXTENDED COOLING CENTER HOURS 🧊
The City is extending hours for four cooling centers due to forecasted high temperatures on Friday, July 28. These centers will be open from 8:30a-9:00p on Friday.
Be safe and stay cool, Akron! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/vmrf2i6BLf— City of Akron, Ohio (@AkronOhioMayor) July 26, 2023
Cooling centers in Akron, Barberton
The city of Akron will extend hours at four community cooling centers on Friday, according to a release.
The four centers are Lawton Street Community Center at 1225 Lawton St., Mason Park Community Center at 700 E. Exchange St., Patterson Park Community Center at 800 Patterson Ave. and Summit Lake Community Center at 380 W. Crosier St. Each center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.
Summer camps at those locations will go on as normal. Other community centers will be open to the public during their normal business hours and will have water available for those in need, the release said.
The city of Barberton tweeted Wednesday that the Active Adult Center would serve as a cooling center Wednesday through Friday.
Due to the upcoming high temperatures, Mayor William B. Judge has designated the Active Adult Center as a cooling center for the City of Barberton. The cooling center will be available July 26th, July 27th, and July 28th. pic.twitter.com/TzdQffKLgl
— City of Barberton (@cityofbarberton) July 26, 2023
Cooling center in Ravenna
The Haven of Portage County, 2645 State Route 59, will be open as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Heat advisory issued for Friday in Ohio as temperatures top 90