High temperatures mean big business for conditioner repairmen like Jim Toth.

        And he can expect his run of luck to continue as temperatures hover in the 90s with high humidity at least through Friday. Heat and smog alerts have been issued, so people are encouraged to drink lots of water and take care outdoors.

The noonday sun beats down on roofers Tim Ohr (left) and Dwayne Burnet with Ohio Valley Construction on Wednesday. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        On Wednesday, Mr. Toth, an employee of Apollo Heating and Cooling in Bond Hill, said he is making at least seven air-conditioning repairs a day. It is one of the busiest summers so far in his 10 years in the business.

        “We've been moving pretty quick,” said the 38-year-old Mason resident as he left a home in Hamilton.

        Wednesday's temperatures hovered in the low 90s, with relative humidity between 40 and 50 percent during the afternoon and a heat index of 93 degrees.

        Today's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in the mid-90s.

        Showers later in the week and a cold front passing though Friday night may provide weekend relief.

        The Cincinnati Health Department's heat alert means people are encouraged to stay indoors, drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and wear light clothing. Recreation centers will be open during regular hours, giving people an air-conditioned place to cool off.

        A smog alert also was issued for today and Friday in Greater Cincinnati.

        With hot, dry weather in the forecast, unhealthy levels of smog are expected. The American Lung Association recommends that children, people with respiratory problems and senior citizens stay indoors.

        As the summer wears on, so does the demand for fans and air conditioners at social service agencies.

        “We still get requests for rent, we still need food and other things, but this is a big request right now,” said Liz Carter, executive director of Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

        “If it turns cool, we can turn our attention to something else. But if it gets hotter, it will just get worse.”

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