Mid-Columbia Air Stagnation Alert Continues

We will have to put up with stale air til early Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, and Clean Air Authority.

It's been so cold most of us haven't really noticed, but those with respiratory issues and breathing problems have felt the impact. A strong inversion of high pressure, combined with some light winds, is trapping 'pollutants' or stale air, close to the ground.

It's been seen in the form of fog at night as well. Normally, even if the wind isn't that noticeable, gentle breezes, combined with upper air movements, act as a fan that sweeps air across the area, wiping away smoke, pollen, dust etc.

But when the air is squished, or forced to the ground, it can't move. It's like having and elephant sit on you...you can't move.

Officials say the air quality should improve mid day Thursday.