It will be hot and muggy today, but smog shouldn't take anyone's breath away.

        The smog alert that was in effect Tuesday and Wednesday has been lifted, with no danger of it returning through the weekend, said Sarah Brugger, spokeswoman for the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services.

Haze hangs over downtown Thursday as Daniel Gibson sits outside in Price Hill. Mr. Gibson says he feels at home on days like this — he's a native of Los Angeles. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Smog forms when sunlight and high temperatures bake air pollution, making it difficult for some people — particularly children, the elderly and anyone with a respiratory illness — to breathe.

        Wind and rain help reduce the threat of smog.

        Although high temperatures and humidity will continue today, early morning and evening showers should kill any threat of the smog alert returning.

        This week's smog alert was the first of the year, and the least severe possible on the Environmental Protection Agency's chart. There are three higher levels of warning.

        Brian Coniglio, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, said Saturday is shaping up as a beautiful day with temperatures in the high 80s, but a significant drop in humidity.

        “It'll feel like a normal summer day, rather than what we've been dealing with this week,” he said.

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