COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An Air Quality Alert issued this weekend has been extended to Monday as smoke from Canadian wildfires makes its way back to central Ohio.

The announcement from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) estimates that the air quality index (AQI) for Monday will be 119, higher than the predicted 110 AQI on Sunday. MORPC issues the alerts once the AQI climbs over 100.

As well, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency released a statewide air quality advisory, issuing an alert effective through the end of Monday.

“Ohio EPA is issuing a statewide Air Quality Advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires again continues to adversely impact air quality. The advisory is in effect through the end of, July 17. Ohio EPA expects the Air Quality Index to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy” ranges.“

The AQI scale measures pollutants in the air on a scale of 0-500, with 100 considered the range when pollution levels are unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Active children, the elderly, and people with asthma, COPD and heart conditions are more likely to experience symptoms during an alert, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) said. Those at risk are advised to limit their outdoor activity; if you do experience symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Symptoms can include headaches, irritated eyes and sinuses, fatigue, trouble breathing, chest pains, asthma attacks, and an irritated throat or increased coughing.

The haze in Ohio is the result of a cold front blowing smoke from wildfires in western Canada into central Ohio, MORPC said.

This is the third time this summer that weather patterns have blown the smoke from wildfires in Canada into central Ohio. The first was in early June, then again near the end of the month, when the AQI exceeded 220.

In order to cut down on the type of pollution associated with Air Quality Alert days, MORPC recommends not letting car engines idle, not burning leaves or wood on alert days, and putting off mowing grass.