Tri City Air Quality Alert Extended, Due to Smoke and Haze

Currently the Benton Clean Air Authority, whose data is utilized throughout the Columbia Basin, says our conditions are the high end of moderate. But it could change.

    Air Quality Alert Extended

Some areas outside the Tri-Cities are showing signs of unhealthy air quality, the core area is still moderate, but leaning toward unhealthy.

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As of Wednesday afternoon, the BCAA continued the alert for persons with respiratory issues, and continues to encourage people to limit outdoor activities if possible.

  A Number of Event Cancellations are in for Wednesday Evening.

Some of these are due to heat, but the Tri Cities Barrel Racing Association has scrubbed tonight's runs at the Fairgrounds. Wednesdays, dozens of racers of all ages take runs against the clock. Also, a number of rec softball league games, icluding ones  at TRAC in Pasco were postponed.

The BCAA said in a release:

. "The Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently at Moderate, however, individuals should prepare for potentially unhealthy smoke levels through 9am Friday. Changing weather conditions may improve air quality by the end of the week."

Any bit of rain, or wind shifting could scour out a lot of the smoke, still waiting for that to happen. But, temps are expected to cool noticeably by Saturday and Sunday, down to 94-92, and 90 by Sunday.