It’s never fun when you open your weather app and see dangerous weather conditions, especially on weekends. This advice warns of a prolonged period of stagnant air which poses a significant health risk, especially for people with breathing problems.

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What exactly is air stagnation? It is when there is a lack of wind and vertical mixing in the atmosphere results in pollutants being trapped close to the ground. This is due to a surface inversion, where warmer air traps cooler air at the surface, creating a lid that holds pollutants in place. As a result, air quality in Boise takes a hit, leading to health problems. Currently, the advisory affects portions of southwestern and west-central Idaho, as well as northeastern and southeastern Oregon, making it critical that residents of these areas remain alert.

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For individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stagnant air can worsen symptoms. The poor air quality can lead to breathing difficulties, increased coughing and even a higher risk of hospital visits. It’s not just about feeling stuffy; it’s about the real health risks of stagnant air.

Health experts recommend staying indoors as much as possible, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Following your doctor’s advice on controlling exposure to air pollution is also crucial. According to the National Weather Service, an air stagnation advisory is in effect from November 7 to 10.