Skip to content

Air quality advisories still in effect but improvements hoped for this weekend

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says air quality in southern and central British Columbia is expected to improve through the weekend as a new weather system moves in.
Wildfire smoke time-lapse
A time-lapse shows the magnitude of the smoke that moved into the Lower Mainland over the last week.

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says air quality in southern and central British Columbia is expected to improve through the weekend as a new weather system moves in.

Smoke from wildfires burning in California, Oregon and Washington has blanketed the province, prompting respiratory health warnings.

Environment Canada says smoke is beginning to clear across the western half of Vancouver Island, and there should be widespread improvements further east by Sunday.

In the central portions of the province, it says smoke will be visible at higher elevations with potential for light to moderate effects.

A fine particulate advisory remains in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley because of persisting ground level smoke with airborne solids and liquid droplets.

Environment Canada says people with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections like COVID-19 should postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity until the advisory is lifted.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2020.