Stagnant air expected until Monday

An extended period of stagnant air, with light winds and little vertical mixing, is expected until Monday in the Northern Idaho Panhandle and portions of Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.

Cold and very dry air over the region will promote strong overnight inversions with poor mixing each afternoon. Concentrations of pollutants near the surface are expected to increase over time with the potential for degrading air quality. A weak weather system on Monday will bring increasing clouds with better ventilation and light precipitation arriving Tuesday.

People with respiratory illness should follow their physician's advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air. State air quality agencies highly recommend that no outdoor burning occur and that residential wood burning devices be limited as much as possible. According to state air quality agencies, prolonged periods of stagnant air can hold pollutants close to the ground where people live and breathe. Check with your local burn agency for any current restrictions in your area.