Environment Canada has rated the Fraser Valley a 10 on its 10-step Air Quality Health Index Smoke from wildfires on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border is wreaking havoc on air quality in British Columbia, with advisories in effect for most of the province expected to last through the week.
Environment Canada has issued special weather statements or smoky skies bulletins from the west coast of Vancouver Island through the Lower Mainland to the Interior and up into the Peace River region. The Central Coast and Kootenays are also affected. “Elevated pollution levels are expected or occurring,” the advisories read.
“If you or those in your care are exposed to wildfire smoke, consider taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure. Wildfire smoke is a constantly changing mixture of particles and gases which includes many chemicals that can harm your health.”
The weather agency rated the central and eastern Fraser Valley a 10 on its 10-step Air Quality Health Index on Wednesday morning. Metro Vancouver is currently rated at an eight. Across the rest of the province, the risk varies between a two and a five.
In a statement Tuesday, the Metro Vancouver regional district stressed the smoke is expected to remain until late Thursday and into Friday, when the weather is expected to change. Rain is forecast Friday for the South Coast, according to CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe. While smoky skies are expected to remain over the next 24 to 48 hours, Environment Canada said conditions can change “hour by hour” as smoke shifts. ”Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion,” the weather service advised. “Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.” According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, exposure to air pollution can be irritating to the lungs and alter immune function,…
Source: cbc.ca/news
Saturday, April 18, 2026
