Mold Remediation in Columbus, OH

Columbus' air quality is once again expected to become unhealthy for sensitive groups on June 12 due to smoke and ozone production, according to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

The air quality index score is expected to rise to 105, which falls into the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range of 100-150. The AQI scale is from 0 to 500. Higher numbers indicate worse air quality.

A morning temperature inversion, an atmospheric phenomenon where hot air sits on top of cold air, will trap pollution near the surface in the morning. Thin density smoke will linger over Central Ohio throughout the day because of light and variable winds that will hinder dispersion of the pollution. Also, mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80s will facilitate ozone development, another form of pollution, according to a MORPC forecast.

Columbus' air quality will return to the moderate range for June 13, 14, 15 and 16, according to MORPC. Air in this quality range will likely only pose risks to people unusually sensitive to pollution.

Canadian wildfires sending smoke to Columbus

The source of the thin layer of smoke blanketing Columbus and much of the northern U.S. on June 12 is Canadian wildfires. Wildfire smoke will likely continue to cause health impacts in the U.S. for months, but it probably won't get as bad as in 2023, Canada's worst wildfire season on record, USA TODAY reported.

Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com and at @NathanRHart on X and at nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.

June was hot.

So hot that this very publication used the words "extreme heat" and "heat wave" more than anyone cared to admit. However, central Ohio also experienced rain, and plenty of it.

While the weather ensured sweat-drenched clothes, air conditioning pushed to the max, globs of coconut-scented sunscreen on your arms and legs, and hot car seats that seared exposed legs like ahi tuna, was it the hottest and wettest recorded June in Columbus' history?

While it might have felt like it, the data from the National Weather Service in Wilmington says it was neither Columbus' hottest nor wettest June on record. But it was hotter than normal.

Was June 2025 the hottest in recorded history for Columbus?

But where does June 2025 rank among the hottest Junes in Columbus' recorded history?

Weather service meteorologist Julie Reed said June 2025 was the eighth hottest June in Columbus, dating back to 1869, with an average temperature of 74.8 degrees. However, that is higher than the 30-year rolling average, updated every 10 years (in this case, 1991-2020), at 71.9 degrees.

Additionally, June 2025 had a total of seven days with temperatures of 90 degrees or higher, which is higher than the June rolling average over 30 years of 4 ½ days with temperatures of 90 degrees or higher.

When it comes to rainfall, Reed said June 2025 was the 19th wettest June in Columbus' recorded weather history, with a total rainfall of 6.19 inches observed. Those rainfall totals are higher than the average of the past 30 years, at 4 ⅓ inches, making past June wetter than normal.

The city's record wettest June was 10.39 inches in 2008.

Columbus' top 5 years of heat and rainfall in June

The weather service's current climate observation site is at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, which has been recording the city's climate data since 1940.

Here are the top five hottest Junes in Columbus on average:

Below is a list of the top five wettest Junes in Columbus, on average, measured by the total rainfall of June:

(This story was updated to add a photo or video and because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

Ohio updates driver's education laws to require full training for all drivers 21 and under, aiming to enhance road safety.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Distractions are everywhere the moment you turn the key and throw the car into drive, but new changes to Ohio’s driver’s education laws aim to better prepare young drivers for the road ahead.

Amy Hura recently had a busy afternoon at the BMV with her 16-year-old daughter, Molly.

“I did good on the driving part, but the maneuverability, got to retake that,” Molly said.

Despite the setback, Molly said she felt confident behind the wheel, thanks to the rigorous state required training process.

“I had to do an online course," Molly said. "I just finished that up. It took six or seven months. I had to do eight hours of in-car training."

Now, that same level of training will soon be mandatory for even more Ohio drivers.

As part of the newly signed two-year state budget, Gov. Mike DeWine approved updates to Ohio’s driver’s education law.

Previously, drivers aged 18 and up could opt out of full training requirements or take a shortened course. Under the new law, anyone 21 and under must now complete a full driver’s education course and 50 hours of supervised practice.

David Burke, owner of Faith Driving School, said he believes the change will save lives.

“Those ages, 18 to 19, it's more dangerous for them," Burke said. "So now, we will get that up to at least 21. They will be more trained and that will make the roads in Ohio safer."

One proposal that didn’t make it into the final budget was reinstating driver’s education in public schools. Instead, districts will now be required to excuse students for up to eight hours of private driving instruction outside of core class time.

"This is an important skill, just like all the other skills they do in school," Burke added.

For Amy, it’s alarming to realize how many young drivers were previously on the road without formal training.

“I would have no idea what to do — the road signs, the traffic, the roundabouts, four-way stops. It all scares teenagers,” Molly said.

Her mom is glad to see the state take action.

“I think everyone should have the training," Amy said. "Things have changed. The roundabouts are crazy, and the highway exits are different now."

As for Molly, she’s already looking forward to her second chance at passing the maneuverability test next Tuesday.

“I’m so excited, more freedom as a teenager. I’ll be able to drive to school," Molly said.

"For freedom for me," Amy added.

DeWine said last year, 58% of fatal accidents involving teens were those aged 18 to 19 years old.

Columbus, OH (July 10, 2025) – A crash resulting in injuries was reported late Wednesday evening on Interstate 71 South, just past the Polaris Pkwy/Gemini Pl exit in north Columbus. The collision occurred around 9:48 p.m., bringing emergency responders to the scene during a busy nighttime travel window.

According to initial reports, at least one individual sustained injuries in the accident and was treated by Columbus Fire and EMS personnel. Paramedics transported the injured to a local hospital for further evaluation. The exact number of injured parties has not yet been confirmed.

The crash caused significant slowdowns on I-71 South as crews worked to secure the area and assist those involved. Lane closures were temporarily in effect while authorities managed the scene and cleared damaged vehicles. As of this report, the roadway has since reopened.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Authorities are reviewing traffic conditions and statements from those at the scene to determine contributing factors.

We extend our thoughts to those injured and wish them a speedy recovery.

Crashes on major highways like I-71 in Columbus are unfortunately common, especially near busy interchanges like Polaris Pkwy and Gemini Pl. These exits serve both heavy commercial zones and shopping areas, leading to frequent congestion and lane-shifting that can raise the risk of collisions.

Nighttime driving introduces additional hazards, including reduced visibility and driver fatigue. Combined with high-speed conditions on interstates, even a brief moment of distraction can result in serious injury. In this case, the location near a heavily trafficked interchange underscores the importance of maintaining alertness and proper following distance—especially during late evening hours.

When accidents occur on high-speed roadways, injuries can range from whiplash and back strain to more serious trauma requiring long-term care. Beyond medical concerns, those involved must also navigate insurance complexities, potential time off work, and emotional stress.

If you’ve been injured in a highway crash in Columbus or the surrounding areas, Local Accident Reports is here to provide reliable information and connect you with the support you need. Take action today and move forward with confidence—your recovery matters.

Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.

Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.

Columbus, OH (July 9, 2025) – A traffic collision with injuries was reported Tuesday night on Interstate 71 South, just past the OH-161 interchange on the northeast side of Columbus. The crash occurred around 11:11 p.m. and prompted a response from local emergency services.

First responders from Columbus Fire and EMS arrived at the scene to assist the injured and manage traffic through the affected section of the interstate. At least one person was hurt in the crash, though details about the number of vehicles involved and the severity of injuries have not yet been released.

The crash caused significant delays on I-71 South as authorities temporarily restricted traffic flow while they tended to the scene and cleared debris. Traffic was moving again as of early Wednesday morning.

Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash, including whether speed, distraction, or road conditions may have played a role.

We send our best wishes to those injured and hope for a complete recovery.

Highway Collisions in Central Ohio

Late-night highway crashes like the one reported on I-71 South after OH-161 illustrate the ongoing risks drivers face, especially on high-speed corridors that see both local and long-distance traffic. Interchanges and merging areas—like the OH-161 junction—often contribute to collision hazards due to traffic density, quick lane changes, and visibility challenges during evening hours.

Injury crashes on major interstates frequently result in more than just physical harm. Victims often face difficulties in accessing timely care, navigating insurance claims, and dealing with vehicle repairs or replacement. Understanding your legal rights and recovery options becomes essential in the aftermath.

At Local Accident Reports, our goal is to support those affected by serious accidents. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a crash like this, we can help you access local recovery resources, medical referrals, and trusted guidance. Don’t wait—contact us today to begin your path toward resolution and support.

Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.

Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.