Air quality worsens in Tri-Cities but relief is on the way

Air quality in the Tri-Cities deteriorated Tuesday morning to a level of pollutants considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The category includes infants, children, pregnant women, senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

They should limit their time outdoors until air quality improves, according to the Washington state Department of Ecology.

The National Weather Service said some slight clearing of pollutants was expected by Tuesday afternoon as a light breeze was forecast for the Tri-Cities.

The weather service lifted a five-day air quality advisory because of stagnant air on Tuesday morning. Pollutants, including smoke, have been trapped near the ground.

Noticeable improvement in the haze hanging over the Tri-Cities is expected by Thursday night, when a 40 percent chance of rain is predicted, according to the weather service.

This story was originally published October 23, 2018 at 12:40 PM.