The air in Salt Lake City right now is diseased and should remain this way throughout the week. Episodes of freezing fog are likely, creating slippery roads. This has prompted warnings from weather experts to limit exposure to the alarmingly smoggy skies. Here are some things to consider during the dingy winter weeks such as this one.
If you are unfamiliar with the inversions that happen in Salt Lake, here is a little science for you. An inversion is a deviation from the normal change of an atmospheric property with altitude. Basically, the temperature increases as you get higher in the atmosphere. The inversion is caused by colder air becoming trapped close to the ground, which results in smog and unhealthy side affects such as respiratory problems.
It is important for you to take heed to the advice of those who are telling you to stay inside. If you need to exercise or get some sunlight, you can do so inside a gym, in your home, or hit the slopes. The inversion is contained to the valley, and therefore you can find fresh air and sometimes even warmer temperatures up in the the high elevations of the mountains. You don't need to spend an arm and a leg at a resort, you could simply take a walk along a popular trail, go snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or even sledding.
Although the air outside is frightful, there are places in Utah that are still delightful. Think high. Try to enjoy your outdoor time in the mountains or sit inside next to a window. Either way, do limit your exposure to the air because if you don't you may regret it when you have respiratory problems. If you want to see when the smog may clear up, click here.
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