Air quality advisories in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley have been lifted thanks to winds bringing in cleaner air. These warnings had been in place since Wednesday but were rescinded over the weekend. While both Metro Vancouver and the central Fraser Valley saw improvements on Saturday, the eastern Fraser Valley had its warning lifted on Sunday morning.
The Metro Vancouver Regional District noted the positive change in air quality, attributing it to southerly winds that have cleared the air in the Lower Mainland. Despite this improvement, air quality warnings still persist in most parts of the province except for Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, as well as the central and north coasts and northwest B.C.
The province emphasized the need for caution due to the unpredictable nature of wildfire smoke conditions, which can fluctuate rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour. Residents are advised to be cautious when venturing outside during air quality warnings. Common symptoms from wildfire smoke exposure include a mild cough or sore throat, according to Angela Yao, a senior scientist at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. While these symptoms are usually temporary and will dissipate with improved air quality, individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart disease may experience more severe effects.
Yao recommended minimizing exposure to poor air quality by reducing outdoor activities and intensity levels. Staying hydrated and wearing a well-fitted mask are also suggested by Metro Vancouver to mitigate the effects of smoke inhalation.
