Stagnant weather affects air quality

If you are looking for clean air, most locations in Wisconsin tend to be a good place to live. But this can change depending on the weather.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jeff Last explains, "A big part of air quality is whether we can mix the air around to move the pollutants from one area to another."

Lately, there has not been a lot of mixing, and the result has been a polluted air mass. An air quality watch, for particle pollution will continue through this evening.

According to the DNR's Air Management Supervisor, Richard Wulk, it's the same watch that has been in effect for most of the month.

"This has gone on longer than usual because of the weather driven system we have right now," says Wulk.

Particle pollution includes dust, soot and smoke particles - and can be caused by things like vehicle exhaust or factories

Wulk continues, "They get into the deep lungs of people and for more sensitive groups like older people and younger children, it can cause breathing discomfort."

The pollution can also have the same effect on those with repertory problems like asthma

"The way to avoid it is to stay inside," adds Wulk.

And hope for a change in the stagnant weather pattern.

The current air quality watch has been extended several times already, and with similar weather in the short term forecast, the DNR may extend it again.