DEQ issues air quality advisory for Friday. Inversions could last over weekend
It’s inversion season.
From late fall to mid-winter, the Treasure Valley becomes a hot spot for cold weather inversions, where cooler gets trapped closer to the Earth’s surface below warmer air. This winter blessing can cause fog and smog as it traps polluted air.
On Friday, Ada and Canyon counties can expect air quality issues. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued a moderate air quality advisory, according to a Thursday news release. DEQ added inversion conditions could continue into the weekend.
The Air Quality Index in the Treasure Valley was expected to average 77 on Friday, according to the DEQ. A score between 51 and 100 is considered moderate, while a score between 0 and 50 is considered good.
Ordinances in Ada and Canyon counties prohibit open outdoor burning under the predicted air quality conditions. In addition, DEQ asks residents to limit driving and combine trips and errands to reduce air pollution.
