If you think the air outside looks bad, you're right.
Pollution levels Friday morning were well above federal health standards, prompting state air-quality officials to extend health advisories to three counties.The young, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are urged to stay indoors in Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties because of high levels of PM10, or fine particulates, which have become trapped in a lingering temperature inversion.
Bob Dalley, director of the air monitoring center, said PM10 levels Friday hit 180 in Salt Lake County and 177 in Utah County. The health advisory standard is 150.
To help reduce pollution, residents are asked not to burn wood or coal and to reduce automobile use.
Dalley also hopes for help from Mother Nature.
"We're hoping that there is some air movement tomorrow and some possible snow showers on Christmas," he said.