The air quality took a dive across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley overnight with some of the worst readings forecast for the eastern Fraser Valley for Friday (Aug. 13).
Fine particulates from wildfire smoke billowing into the region are obscuring the mountains and making it hard to breathe for those with respiratory issues or other chronic conditions.
An air quality advisory remains in effect from Vancouver to Hope for a second day, issued by Metro Vancouver for high concentrations of fine particulate matter due to smoke, as well as ozone levels due to the sun and heat.
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The eastern Fraser Valley including Chilliwack, Agassiz-Harrison and Hope is forecast to be in the 鈥榲ery high鈥� range of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) with readings at 10+ as Friday wears on, as is the Central Fraser Valley for Abbotsford and Mission. Southeastern Metro Vancouver (91原创, Surrey East and parts of North Delta) is forecast to be 鈥榟igh鈥� at 9. The northeastern sections of Metro Vancouver had 鈥榣ow鈥� readings at 2 and 3, while the southwestern parts were at 5.
Check the from Metro Vancouver to monitor AQHI across the region or the map.
Thursday鈥檚 AQ advisory pegged easterly outflow winds as the culprit bringing smoke from wildfires in B.C. and Washington into the region, contributing to elevated fine particulate matter concentrations and hazy skies.
Smoke concentrations and readings may vary widely as winds and temperatures fluctuate and as wildfire behaviour changes. To avoid the smoke, close doors and windows, run the air conditioning if possible, and air cleaners.
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