NWS extends stagnant air advisory for Clark County until next week

The National Weather Service in Portland has extended its air stagnation advisory for Clark County until Nov. 12.

The advisory was originally set to expire at 4 p.m. Wednesday, but a continuing lack of airflow has trapped smoke and other contaminants near the ground, according to the weather service.

Among the affected communities is Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt and Amboy. The advisory also includes the Portland metro area and the Interstate 5 corridor in Cowlitz County.

An area forecast synopsis posted on the weather service’s website says residents should see less severe stagnant air conditions overall, but the south Willamette Valley in Oregon and the I-5 corridor in Southwest Washington “will probably see the least improvement.”

A high pressure weather system over the region will generally result in dry weather, with a mix of morning fog and low clouds followed by afternoon sunshine for many locations through at least the end of the week.

Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.

State air quality agencies “highly recommend that no outdoor burning occur and that residential wood burning devices be limited as much as possible,” according to the advisory.