MANSFIELD — The air outside the Ohio State Reformatory is about to get as heavy as a Limp Bizkit bassline.

State environmental officials on Thursday issued a statewide air quality advisory effective through midnight Friday, warning that incoming Canadian wildfire smoke will make breathing a workout across Ohio.

For the tens of thousands of metalheads and tattoo enthusiasts descending on north central Ohio for the annual Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo festival, the timing means the hazy, atmospheric vibe in the air won’t just be stage effects.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency projects the Air Quality Index will land firmly in the “unhealthy” range. Officials warned hourly smoke concentrations could briefly spike into the “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” categories.

Environmental regulators are recommending people avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The warning is particularly directed at individuals with heart disease or respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

Festival-goers screaming along on Friday should monitor themselves for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness or a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes.

While heavy metal fans are accustomed to roughing it in the mosh pit, health officials said treating the open air like a smoke machine isn’t advised. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to take a break inside or seek medical attention at the first sign of respiratory distress.

Officials advise attendees to treat the open air event with caution on Friday and to pack a poncho for Saturday’s downpours.

Nature’s own pyrotechnics may help clear the air at the historic reformatory during the weekend.

The weekend forecast includes:

— Friday: Smoke will linger into the early afternoon, giving way to mostly sunny skies and a high near 87 degrees.

— Friday night: Heavy metal expected to meet heavy rain. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 3 a.m., bringing a 60% chance of precipitation and a low near 71 degrees.

— Saturday: The festival mosh pit may transform into a mud pit. Rain and thunderstorms are nearly guaranteed, with a 90% chance of precipitation and a high near 86 degrees. Between a quarter and a half-inch of rain is expected.

— Saturday Night: Storms will continue before tapering off after 2 a.m., according to forecasters. Temperatures will drop to a low near 65 degrees, with wind gusts reaching up to 21 mph.

— Sunday: Maybe the best weather of the metal weekend. Mostly sunny skies and a much cooler high near 79 degrees are forecast.

City editor. 30-year plus journalist. Husband. Father of 3 grown sons and also a proud grandpa. Prior military journalist in U.S. Navy, Ohio Air National Guard. -- Favorite quote: "Where were you when...