3 Fascinating Facts About The Inversions Blanketing Boise

Have you ever looked out at the beautiful mountain views in Boise only to be met with a thick layer of fog? Well, you might be experiencing an inversion.

What are inversions, and why do they happen in Boise?

Inversions may be a natural weather event, but they can have significant effects on our daily lives. So, what exactly are inversions, and why do they happen in/above Boise?

Kerri O'Hara // YouTube [Ground view of an inversion hovering above Boise][/caption]According to the Idaho Conservation League, inversions naturally occur when a layer of warm air forms high in the atmosphere and traps cold air closer to the ground. Inversions occur from November through February, according to the Boise Air Quality Index, when the low winter sun gives less warmth, causing fog and stratus clouds to blanket the valley.

In Boise, this means that during the colder months, cold air gets trapped in the Treasure Valley, and warm air hovers over the mountain tops. Unfortunately, the variation in temperature and accumulation of pollutants in the air can result in unfavorable health issues for locals.

How does pollution factor into an inversion?

One big worry with inversions is that pollution gets stuck during these weather events. Pollutants like vehicle exhaust, burning wood, and other airborne impurities linger because the air forms a ceiling, making the air quality pretty lousy.

TIS // YouTube [aerial view of a dense inversion blanketing the City of Boise][/caption]Though it can impact everyone, it's extra tough on folks who are more vulnerable. When the air quality index in Boise hits the not-so-good zone, it's not great news for kids, athletes, the elderly, and folks with respiratory conditions like COPD. The National Institute of Health reports these people are more likely to deal with breathing problems and other health strains.

How long do inversions last and can they be prevented?

A report released by Uncle Sam's National Weather Service says inversions hit differently based on how long they stick around and what we're up to during that time. Driving and burning wood, something Idahoans do quite often, can actually amp up an inversion's impact, making it stick around longer.

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Simply put, the more pollution locals crank out, the worse an inversion becomes. It's a great reason to keep the Boise-area's carbon footprint in check year-round. Inversions can shake up Boise, but carpooling, taking public transport, and smart wood burning tactics can lesson pollution and reduce the severity and length of inversions.

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