More smoke from the wildfires burning in Washington State has pushed into the Okanagan Valley, but the air quality for Wednesday is better than it has been all week.
According to the provincial government’s air quality website, the current health risk in the Central Okanagan is six out of 10 and considered a moderate risk. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is expected to reach seven by the afternoon and remain at a ‘high health risk’ into Thursday.
Environment Canada says the air quality statement previously issued for the region will remain in place. The smoky skies advisory covers the entire Okanagan Valley, north and South Thompson, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon, Nicola, Shuswap and the entire Boundary, and Kootenay areas.
Southerly winds have continued to spread further north heavy plumes of smoke from the large wildfires burning in Washington State, resulting in high concentrations of fine particulates and poor air quality. While this episode is expected to persist until a major shift in wind patterns and weather conditions, smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour, and temperatures change.
People are again encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
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