More hazy sunshine heading into the weekend

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — A dominating ridge of high pressure over the Pacific Northwest has allowed for a nice warm-up in temperatures this week. Highs have been in the upper 50's and low 60's since the beginning of the week. One thing that has accompanied the sunshine throughout the week is the layer of haze all throughout the valley. An inversion in the valley has led to an increase in pollution near the surface, something that's very common in the colder months.

In an inversion scenario, we often see deteriorating air quality as a result of the cold air trapped near the surface. With high pressure in place, and warmer air moving over the top of the cold air in the valley, our air becomes very 'stagnant' and can lead to a stronger inversion in many cases. An 'Air Stagnation Advisory' has been issued by the National Weather Service for the weekend meaning that little improvement is anticipated through Sunday afternoon. Air quality in the valley is currently at the Yellow/Moderate level and will likely remain there through the weekend.

How can you help improve air quality? Some great tips would be to reduce the number of activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and the use of wood fireplaces(If you have an alternate heat source). Also, reduce the amount you drive over the weekend and avoid idling as much as possible. This is just the beginning of inversion season, it usually runs Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. We should see some improvement with air quality through next week as a few weak systems will brush by the region, stay tuned.

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