With temperatures expected to climb into the 90s Saturday, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has issued an air quality alert for central Ohio.

MORPC says Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin and Licking counties are likely to experience grown-level ozone pollution that is unhealthy for sensitive groups on the national Air Quality Index. Active children, the elderly and people with respiratory issues such as asthma and COPD are likely to experience an increase in number and severity of symptoms. These groups are urged to limit prolonged outdoor activity or plan outdoor activities for the morning hours instead of the afternoon. According to MORPC, there are several things residents can do to improve air quality, including carpooling, combining trips, using public transportation, bicycling or walking. To see all the different commute options available in your area, click or tap here.

Driver should also wait until dusk to refuel their vehicles, avoid topping off the gas tank and turn off their engines instead of idling their vehicles.

For more information about MORPC’s Air Quality Program, click or tap here.