Hilliard heat advisory extends through Friday evening

Franklin County's heat advisory now stretches through 8 p.m. Sept. 4, one day longer than the Thursday cutoff announced by Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security earlier in the week.

The agency urged residents to limit outdoor activity, avoid strenuous work during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated. The National Weather Service expected heat index values to top 100 degrees earlier in the week across central Ohio, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Friday's forecast calls for a high near 90 degrees with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

The extension matters for Hilliard families planning outdoor activities over the Labor Day weekend. The holiday falls on Sept. 7.

Free COTA rides end Thursday

The Central Ohio Transit Authority is offering free fares on all services, including fixed-route buses, COTA Mainstream and COTA//Plus, through Sept. 3, COTA announced. Whether COTA will extend free rides to match Friday's advisory has not been announced.

COTA's new fall schedule takes effect Sept. 7, including Line 30 connecting Hilliard to Ohio State University and downtown Columbus.

Cooling off

All 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library branches are open to anyone seeking relief from the heat, the Dispatch reported. The library made the announcement Sept. 2. Hours vary by location and are listed at columbuslibrary.org.

Local officials have not announced any Hilliard-specific cooling center locations.