Solomonster

Really, shouldn't the Environmental Protection Agency be involved in this announcement? 

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED AN AIR
STAGNATION ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST FRIDAY.

If the subject is too many man-made toxins ejected into the air, doesn't that challenge the definition of the word 'Weather'?  I mean, how much shit can you pile into "etc."? 

weath·er /ˈwɛðər / Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[weth -er] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation     –noun

1.	the state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.

[ Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1). Random House, Inc. 05 Dec. 2006. ]

Oh, now, what's this?  It looks as though EPA does has some sort of interest in this phenomenon, afterall!  But, sadly, they seem to be operating with a different definition of what constitutes "Good" air quality than the Nat'l Weather Service has.  [That looks like a link to a live air quality map, so may be of less use than I'd thought at first.]

?  Site says this data is courtesy of the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality.  Hm.

...

Why does the Air Quality Index usually indicate good air quality even during a smog advisory?

In the winter, DEQ issues Air Pollution Advisories for Particle Pollution (PM2.5) for any area of the state when cold temperatures and stagnant air cause particle pollution levels to rise.

Looks like my intended rant against the Bush EPA sitting back on its ass and not caring has turned into the Bush EPA sitting on its ass and redirecting me to my local air quality confusers.

Hm.  I'm still with the alarmists @ Nat'l Weather Svc, then.  If EPA & DEQ don't give a shit, I guess somebody ought to let people know.