Millions of Americans who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma, have been warned that poor air quality could make their symptoms worse this week.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have issued a string of "air stagnation advisories" to warn residents to brace for increased levels of pollution due to the weather conditions.
The experts advised vulnerable people to take extra care and keep pets "indoors as much as possible," while urging residents to refrain from "outdoor burning" and to try to limit using "residential wood burning devices" if they can.
People living in parts of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana are affected by the advisories, which were issued in the early hours of Monday with some due to remain in place until Friday morning.
Why It Matters
"Build-up of fine pollution particles can be harmful to those sensitive to air pollution including people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children and the elderly," the NWS says.
The advisories follow a string of recent initiatives across the U.S. designed to tackle the problem. Drivers have been asked to leave their cars at home on certain days, in a bid to combat poor air quality recently.
Drivers in Colorado, California, and Texas have been urged to temporarily avoid driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles and refrain from visiting gas stations, as emissions can worsen air quality. Officials in Indiana and Alabama have also turned their sights on road-users as they attempt to tackle the problem.
What To Know
The air stagnation advisories issued this week are in response to fears that pollution will be trapped due to the weather conditions.
The NWS warned of an "extended period of stagnant air, with light winds and little vertical mixing. This is due to an inversion near the surface that can trap pollutants."
The advisories indicate that "due to limited movement of an air mass across the advisory area, pollution has the potential to increase to dangerous levels [...] According to state air quality agencies, prolonged periods of stagnant air can hold pollutants close to the ground, where people live and breathe."
Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Idaho and northeast and southeast Oregon are included in the first advisory issued on Monday. A string of cities are affected so residents living in those areas should check their local forecasts. The warning remains in place until Friday morning.
A separate warning covers the areas inland from the south central Oregon coast until noon on Thursday. While a further advisory covers portions of north Idaho until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
In addition, people living or traveling in central, north central, and northeast Washington are also under an air advisory until late Monday afternoon due to the potential for "deteriorated air quality."
Meanwhile, Montana has air stagnation advisories in place for the Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys, and the Seeley Lake region, which are set to remain in place until 5:00 a.m. on Friday.
What People Are Saying
"Persons with respiratory illness should follow their physician's advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air," the National Weather Service said.
What Happens Next
Residents should ensure to check their local forecasts regularly for the most up-to-date information and advice.
The NWS said: "If possible, reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution such as, outdoor burning and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Check with local air management agencies for possible restrictions in your area."
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