2024 End-of-Season Report highlights regional air quality trends, key influences, and steps residents can take to protect their health
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has released its annual End-of-Season Air Quality Report, analyzing air quality trends from November 2023 to October 2024. The report provides an in-depth analysis of air quality conditions, key factors influencing air quality, and steps the public can take to improve regional air conditions and protect their health.
As part of a national network of air quality monitoring agencies, MORPC provides daily air quality forecasts using the Air Quality Index (AQI) and issues public notifications when ground-level ozone and particle pollution reach unhealthy levels. On Air Quality Alert days, sensitive groups—including children, older adults and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma—may experience symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.
“For the 2023-24 season, the majority of days in Central Ohio fell within the Good Air Quality Index (AQI) category; however, we saw a decline compared to the previous season. The data highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and community action to maintain and improve our region’s air quality.”
Key Findings from the 2023-2024 Report
- Fewer Air Quality Alerts: Only three Air Quality Alerts were issued this season—down from 11 the previous year—largely due to a reduction in wildfire smoke impacts over Ohio.
- Overall Air Quality: During the 2023-24 ozone season (March–October), 72% of days fell within the Good AQI category, a 3% decrease from last season. For fine particulate matter (PM2.5), 60% of days were categorized as Good, a 17% decline from the previous year.
- Notable Pollution Events: October saw the highest AQI levels of the season, driven by stagnant weather and drought conditions that allowed pollutants to accumulate.
- New PM2.5 Standard: On Feb. 7, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) adopted a stricter PM standard, reducing the permissible annual average of fine particulate matter from 12.0 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) to 9.0 µg/m³. This new standard became effective on May 6, 2024. Central Ohio is currently in attainment with federal standards and is expected to remain so even with this stricter standard.
Factors Affecting Air Quality
Weather conditions played a significant role in seasonal air quality trends. Warmer-than-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation throughout the year contributed to elevated ozone levels during the summer months. Additionally, while wildfire smoke was less severe compared to 2023, thin smoke layers were detected over the region, occasionally contributing to increased pollution levels.
“Our team works diligently to provide timely and accurate air quality information. This report underscores how regional and national factors, such as weather patterns and policy changes, continue to shape our air quality. Together we can ensure a safe and healthy future for our residents as our region grows.”
MORPC is actively monitoring PM2.5 pollution at the neighborhood level throughout Franklin County to address data gaps and support local decision-making. In collaboration with Franklin County Public Health, MORPC has deployed 36 PurpleAir sensors across the county, providing real-time data available at purpleair.com. With more information, communities can be proactive about growth while minimizing public health risks from local pollution sources.
Residents can stay informed about unhealthy air quality conditions by signing up for Air Quality Alerts at Air Quality – MORPC.org. Simple actions, like reducing vehicle pollution and avoiding outdoor burning on high-pollution days, can make a difference. Residents can also explore sustainable commuting options through Gohio Commute, MORPC’s program designed to reduce emissions by promoting carpooling, biking and public transit use.
To learn more about regional air quality trends and view the full report, visit Air Quality – MORPC.org
