Air quality alert issued for Monday to kick off sweltering week in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati region will be under an air quality alert Monday as poor air quality, heat and humidity set in.

The air quality alert is in effect midnight to 11:59 p.m. It impacts Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency announced the air quality alert around 3 p.m. Sunday, warning of ozone layers in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range on the Air Quality Index. When the agency issues an alert, it is warning the public of higher levels of pollutants and particulate matter that may affect one's health.

The air quality alert kicks off a sweltering week in Greater Cincinnati. The National Weather Service at Wilmington forecasts a humid, mostly clear Monday with a high of 92 degrees. Temperatures are expected to peak at 93 degrees on Tuesday and drop into the late 80s for the rest of the week as a cold front moves into the Ohio Valley.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , air pollution associated with air quality indexes in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range can make it harder for those with asthma or other respiratory diseases to breathe. People with heart disease, diabetes, older adults, babies and children are also among vulnerable groups.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind, per the air quality agency and the CDC:

• If possible, stay cool indoors.
• Take the bus, carpool, bike, or walk instead of driving due to vehicle exhaust. If you must drive, combine trips and don't idle in your vehicle.
• Do not build a campfire, or burn leaves or other yard trimmings. Fires can create harmful pollutants.
• Conserve electricity by turning out lights and unplugging unused appliances and electronics.
• Stay hydrated. If you must work outdoors, take breaks. Choose easier activities, like walking instead of running.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Air quality alert issued for Monday to kick off sweltering week in Cincinnati