Central Ohio under extreme heat warning as heat index over 105 expected

Central Ohio is under an extreme heat warning starting at noon due to dangerously hot conditions.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued the extreme heat warning from noon June 30 to 8 p.m. July 2 in central and south central Ohio as well as parts of Kentucky. The heat index will rise to about 105 degrees, the weather service said.

On June 30, there will be sunny skies and a high near 95 degrees in Columbus, according to a forecast by the weather service. The heat index will reach about 106 degrees.

Columbus will see a high of 98 both July 1 and July 2, with a heat index as high as 106 on July 2, the weather service said.

People should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioned rooms and out of the sun and check on their relatives and neighbors.

People should not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles because car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in minutes, the weather service said.

Cooling centers will open June 30, and the city has waived bus fares and public pool entry fees during the heat wave.

Public safety and breaking news reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com