Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

Humidity, high temperatures and smog have prompted a heat alert, which will reach "dangerous" levels Thursday, according to the national weather service.

Children, the elderly, the homeless and those with heart and lung conditions are especially at risk, according to health agencies.

Temperatures will be in the lower to mid-90s today and will get progressively higher through Thursday, when temperatures are expected to approach the 100-degree mark, said meteorologist Andy Hatzos of the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

"Thursday is going to be a very dangerous day," he said, with a heat index of 110, factoring in heat and moisture, which "makes the atmosphere feel more hot than it is because the body loses its ability to evaporate easily."

"It's very important to check in on people you know who are vulnerable, like the elderly and the very young," he said.

Hamilton Vice Mayor Kathy Becker, who also works in homeless outreach, said shelters were running at full capacity throughout Butler County.

"With the extended period of heat, plus the humidity, we're seeing quite an influx," she said.

The Regional Ozone Coalition extended a standing smog alert through Wednesday. The poor air quality can affect those with asthma or other lung impairments, according to officials.

Pat Burg, director of the Butler County Health Department, said so far the department has not received calls requesting a cooling center.

However, some local seniors will stay cool thanks to an anonymous donor who gave 20 brand-new air-conditioning units to Senior Citizens Inc., according to Sonya Hovis.

Staff Writer Meagan Engle contributed to this report.

Contact this reporter at ndesai@coxohio.com.