COLUMBUS, Ind. — A heat advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday morning until 8 p.m. tonight.
Heat index values of up to 105 are expected in southern Indiana. Heat illnesses are possible with temperatures and humidity at this level.
There is some uncertainty on maximum temperatures and heat index values this afternoon due to the potential for thunderstorms. Any area where thunderstorms occur this afternoon could see a quick relief from high heat.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Cooling stations are open today at the Bartholomew County Library, 536 Fifth St. in Columbus and the library’s Hope branch at 635 Harrison St.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has extended its Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) forecast through Thursday for parts of southern Indiana.
On Thursday, ozone levels are expected to remain in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange)in the following areas:
- Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
- Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
Earlier this week, IDEM extended previous AQADs forecasts for ozone levels in the Southeast and Southwest Indiana through Wednesday. A stalled frontal boundary will remain near the Ohio Valley, above southern Indiana, on Thursday leaving the region with a hot, humid, and stagnant airmass. Mostly sunny skies combined with light winds and high temperatures may cause ozone levels to rise to the level of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the regions listed above.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov for more information.
