Smoke Expected In Okanagan

Wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across B.C., with conditions shifting into the Okanagan

Environment Canada says numerous regions across the province are being impacted by wildfire smoke, which is expected to move into the Thompson, Shuswap and Okanagan regions overnight.

The agency warns that smoke levels can fluctuate rapidly and may vary considerably hour-to-hour, urging residents to monitor conditions closely and limit time outdoors when possible.

In Vernon, air quality was measured at 71 on the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) late Wednesday afternoon, classified as “moderate”, according to data from IQAir.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was reported at 20 micrograms per cubic metre — four times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline value.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ael8nHwyRYk

Health officials caution that wildfire smoke exposure poses the greatest risk to vulnerable groups, including seniors, infants, pregnant people, those with pre-existing conditions, and people working outdoors.

Environment Canada recommends keeping windows closed, running clean air filters where possible, and wearing a properly fitted respirator mask such as an N95 if outdoor exposure cannot be avoided.

Here's what smoke filled skies looked like during fire season a few years ago - https://www.exnews.net/vernon-news/smokey-vernon-and-coldstream-skies-video