The first day of summer kicks off today with more hot, sweltering temperatures — and a smog alert.

        The smog alert is in effect for today and Saturday, and health officials cautioned the elderly and those with asthma or other respiratory problems to stay inside.

        A high of 90 degrees is forecast today, withplenty of sunshine, said meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

        “If the high temperatures keep up and we don't have that much rain or wind, then we'll be in trouble. But that's all up to Mother Nature,” said Sarah Brugger, spokeswoman for the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services.

        On Thursday, temperatures reached 90 for the first time this year for most of the Ohio River Valley.

        But health officials did not follow the lead of Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo, Indianapolis and Louisville, where smog alerts were issued Thursday.

        “The fact that we've gone this long without (a smog alert), we can attribute to the amount of rain” Cincinnati has had, Ms. Brugger said.

        In 2001, nine days warranted smog alerts.

        Health officials advised Southwest Ohio residents to follow these steps:

        • Take the bus instead of driving.

        • Carpool.

        • Eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips.

        • Conserve electricity by turning off unused lights, computers, televisions and radios.

        • Use gasoline-powered lawn equipment and refuel vehicles after 6 p.m.

        For information, visit www.hcdoes.org.

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