The smoke from wildfires hanging in Metro Vancouver’s skies has led to a warning from public health officials.
Metro Vancouver has issued an air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter.
The numerous wildfires burning in British Columbia and Washington State are to blame, they say.
Vancouver Coastal Health says people with chronic underlying medical conditions should avoid strenuous exercise until the air clears and the advisory is ended. Infants, the elderly, those who have diabetes and lung or heart disease are especially at risk due to the air conditions.
Smoke concentrations can vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, and as fire behaviour changes.
Clean air from the ocean swept through the region on the weekend, clearing out the smoke that descended last week. But with a new high pressure ridge arriving, bringing higher temperatures and a northwesterly flow to the wind, smoke blew back down towards the coast.
“Elevated levels of fine particulate matter are expected to persist until there is a change in fire and/or weather conditions,” Metro Vancouver said in a release.
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An air quality advisory has been issued again for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as residents in the region woke up to smoky and hazy skies.
The advisory has been issued for the region because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter due to wildfire smoke burning throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Metro Vancouver says on Saturday, clean marine air swept through the region resulting in a clearing of the smoke from last week.
WATCH: What you should know when there is an air quality alert
However, as it transitioned to the next weather pattern, the winds changed to a northwest flow and by late evening on Sunday, smoke was measured throughout the region.
Elevated levels of fine particulate matter are expected to persist until there is a change in fire and/or weather conditions.
READ MORE: Eastern Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley placed under air quality advisory
Exposure to ground-level ozone can be particularly harmful to infants and the elderly, along with people who have health problems such as asthma or heart and lung disease.
The region is advising people to avoid strenuous activity later in the day. It also says anyone who shows symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest discomfort should seek medical advice.
Many people have been posting photos to social media of the hazy conditions on Monday.
Even creepier sunset last night… pic.twitter.com/Ke0Aiu0P7r — David Warner (@docdave007) August 13, 2018
Good morning! Downtown Vancouver towercam showing a little fog and a touch of haze. Look for a sunny week overall with still some of that high level smoke floating around. Warm all week with highs in the mid to upper 20's! pic.twitter.com/jostDoTj56 — Mark Madryga (@MMadryga) August 13, 2018
The combination of #BCwildfire smoke and fog is making for an eerie sunrise this morning in #Vancouver #BCstorm #bcwx pic.twitter.com/pYi40VeMeB — Matt MacDonald (@meteo_matt) August 13, 2018
Monday morning smokey west coast skies. Don't throw your cigarette butts out the car window among other things. #nofilter #climatechange pic.twitter.com/zgpLfcS9PS — Profane_Plays (@Profane_Plays) August 13, 2018
An air quality advisory has just been issued for the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley area.
High concentrations of fine particulate matter are moving in due to wildfire smoke from fires burning across the province and the Pacific Northwest.
A significant amount of haze is also visible throughout the city.
An earlier advisory was placed into effect last Friday due to a barge fire in Surrey. Although cleaner marine air swept through the area on Saturday, a late blast of northwest wind elevated smoke levels throughout the region.
According to a statement released by Metro Vancouver, “elevated levels of fine particulate matter are expected to persist until there is a change in fire and/or weather conditions.”
Anyone with underlying medical conditions is recommended to postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted.
“Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly, and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.”
Indoor spaces with air conditioning are expected to offer more effective relief to air pollution.
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METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Wildfire smoke has prompted the latest air quality advisory in the Lower Mainland. The advisory covers Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
The Metro Vancouver Regional District says the smoke cleared on Saturday, but it returned last night. Now, there is an higher-than-normal level of “fine particulate matter.”
People with underlying health conditions are told to avoid strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. The concern is greatest for infants, the elderly, and those with diabetes or lung or heart disease.
If you start having chest discomfort, are short of breath, or start coughing or wheezing, you should see a doctor.
Click here to find real-time air quality readings.
