When will wildfire smoke from Canada move out of Greater Cincinnati? Here's what we know

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency extended an Air Quality Alert in Greater Cincinnati until 11:59 p.m. Thursday as air pollution from Canadian wildfires continues to impact the region.

The alert covers Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky and Dearborn County in Indiana.

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The agency said it expects to see Air Quality Index AQI levels in the "unhealthy" range. But when will the smoke clear?

Smoke, air quality forecast for Cincinnati region

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, smoke will continue to reduce visibility until approximately 6 p.m. Thursday. Widespread smoke and patchy fog will blanket the region until about 10 a.m. But conditions are predicted to improve from west to east this afternoon as winds move south.

The EPA interactive map for air quality shows the Cincinnati region in the red or unhealthy category on Thursday but shows the region as yellow or in the moderate category on Friday.

When the air quality reaches code red, it is "unhealthy" for everyone. The general public may begin to experience health impacts, while those in sensitive groups will have more serious health effects. During code red, sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exposure and everyone else should reduce prolonged time outdoors.

Code yellow air is considered "moderate." While this air quality is still regarded as "acceptable," some people may begin to experience health impacts, especially those who are sensitive to air pollution.

Air quality index basics: How it works, what each color code means and how to stay safe

Joy Landry, Communication Specialist at the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, told The Enquirer on Wednesday that it's difficult to predict precisely when the haze will lift because air pollution is weather dependent. She says the agency is taking it "one day at a time" regarding air quality conditions, but they still encourage people to stay indoors.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to hit Greater Cincinnati this weekend, which may aid in cleansing the air, CBS reports.

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Unfortunately, as the wildfires persist, smoky and hazy skies will continue to be a concern for Canadians and Americans until heavy rain falls where active forest fires occur, Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder told CBS.

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Cloth masks like the traditional COVID-19 masks aren't effective at stopping exposure to air pollutants, Landry says. A fitted N-95s may be a help, but Landry recommends consulting your health provider for specific guidance based on any existing medical problems.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Air quality alert: When will smoke clear in Ohio