The air is cold and a bit thick in the Yakima Valley this week.

So much so, that the National Weather Service has issued an Air Stagnation Advisory.

Air Stagnation Advisory in Effect for Yakima

The National Weather Service in Pendleton, Oregon is warning of hazardous weather conditions for the Yakima Valley, issuing an Air Stagnation Advisory for Yakima until at least 3:00 pm on Friday, December 16th.

Stagnant air is present with the patchy freezing fog that has been in our forecast for the past few days. Not only can visibility be affected, making driving conditions less than ideal, but the thick air also isn't healthy to breathe. It looks like snow begins to creep back into the forecast by Sunday.

Stage One Burn Ban Issued for Yakima County

The Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 1 burn ban due to deterioration in weather conditions, air stagnation, and poor ventilation that will be contributing to a build-up of air pollutants in the area.

Under a Stage 1 burn ban, The Yakima Clean Air Agency Reminds:

  • The use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified solid fuel-burning devices is prohibited.
  • The use of certified wood stoves, pellet stoves, and other certified wood-burning devices is allowed.
  • All outdoor burning is prohibited throughout Yakima County, although restrictions may differ within the Yakama Reservation boundaries.
  • All violations of the burn ban are subject to a civil penalty.

Yakima, Washington Weekend Forecast From NOAA

Friday: Patchy freezing fog before 4 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 23. Calm wind.

Friday Night: Patchy freezing fog after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 12. Calm wind.

Saturday: Patchy freezing fog before 10 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Calm wind.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 14. Calm wind.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of snow after 10 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 13.

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