Millions of Americans, especially those with asthma or other respiratory issues, are being advised to limit outdoor activities due to poor air quality. Weather experts have issued “air stagnation advisories” for parts of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. These warnings are in place to protect residents from harmful air pollution, which could worsen symptoms for those already struggling with breathing problems.
What is an Air Stagnation Advisory?
An air stagnation advisory is issued when the air in a region doesn’t move much. This can trap pollution close to the ground, where people breathe it in. In some cases, pollutants such as dust, smoke, or car emissions can build up in the air, making it harmful for people with respiratory conditions like asthma, heart problems, or even diabetes. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that these weather conditions could lead to dangerous levels of pollution.
According to the NWS, the advisory means there will be “stagnant air” for a prolonged period with light winds and little mixing. This could trap the pollution over cities and towns, making it worse for vulnerable residents.
Who is at Risk?
The air quality in these areas may cause serious health problems for specific groups of people. Vulnerable people include:
- Children
- Elderly residents
- Those with heart or lung conditions
- People with diabetes
The NWS advises people in these groups to stay indoors as much as possible and limit outdoor activity during this period. It’s especially important for those with respiratory issues to follow their doctor’s advice on how to handle the situation.
Affected Areas and Timelines
The air stagnation advisories are impacting several regions in the U.S. The affected states are:
- Idaho: South-central, southwest, and west-central areas are under advisory, expected to last until Friday morning.
- Oregon: Northeast and southeast Oregon, with warnings in place until Thursday noon.
- Washington: Central and northeast regions are under a warning, expected to last until late Monday afternoon.
- Montana: Missoula, Bitterroot Valleys, and the Seeley Lake region are under advisories until Friday morning.
These advisories are in place due to the weather conditions, which include low winds and high pressure that prevent pollutants from being carried away.
What Should People Do?
If you live in these affected areas, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
- Stay indoors: Limit outdoor activity, especially if you or a family member has breathing problems.
- Keep pets inside: Pets can also suffer from poor air quality, so it’s best to keep them indoors.
- Avoid outdoor burning: Refrain from using outdoor fireplaces, grills, or burning leaves.
- Limit car use: If possible, reduce vehicle trips and avoid idling your vehicle, as car emissions can add to air pollution.
- Check local updates: Regularly check your local weather and air quality reports for any changes or additional instructions.
What Happens Next?
The weather conditions that are trapping pollutants will continue for the next few days. Experts advise everyone in the affected areas to stay alert and follow local health guidelines. The authorities are working to monitor the air quality closely, and restrictions may change based on how the weather develops.
The National Weather Service urges everyone to be cautious and take necessary steps to protect their health. If you have respiratory issues or other health concerns, it’s important to stay informed and take extra precautions to avoid worsening the situation.
Conclusion
As the weather continues to trap pollution in parts of the U.S., millions of residents in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana are being urged to stay indoors and limit activities that contribute to poor air quality. The air stagnation advisories are in place until at least Friday morning, and the NWS will continue to monitor the situation. It’s important for everyone, especially vulnerable groups, to take care and stay informed.
(Source : newsweek.com)
