Air quality deteriorating in Tri-Cities

Air quality in the Tri-Cities has deteriorated with no relief in sight.

The Benton Clean Air Agency reported that the air quality level has dropped from “good” to “moderate.” People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or who have had a stroke should limit outdoor activities or at least stick to less strenuous outdoor activities.

A high pressure system over the Mid-Columbia is keeping warm air aloft and cold air at the ground surface, with little mixing to disperse pollutants, said meteorologist Dennis Hull with the National Weather Service.

No storm system is forecast that could end the pollution build up. The weather service predicts foggy weather through at least Monday.

Highs should range from about 24 to 27 degrees Wednesday through early next week. Lows may drop into the teens Wednesday night and remain there through Sunday night.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 11:35 AM with the headline "Air quality deteriorating in Tri-Cities."