Air quality 'moderate'

SANDPOINT — Outdoor burning remains prohibited as air quality was listed as moderate on Monday by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

The department said the stable and dry upper-level pressure ridge is expected to remain with little change in the next couple of days.

Some minor disturbances may help mix the lower atmosphere this weekend, although no significant mixing is anticipated at this time, IDEQ said in a daily air quality report.

Although eastern Washington wildfire smoke has dispersed, stagnant air conditions are expected to persist.

When air quality is listed as moderate, the air quality is acceptable. However, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a small number of people.

Those individuals unusually sensitive to ozone, for instance, may experience respiratory symptoms.

There are no restrictions on residential wood heating, according to DEQ.

Today’s Air Quality Index was forecasted to improve to good. A weak system is expected to pass north along the Canadian border.

The National Weather Service in Spokane issued an air quality alert on Monday, but the Panhandle was not included.