Wildfire smoke could affect tonight's visibility of Honda Celebration of Light

Air quality visibility in Vancouver Harbour as of 8 am on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. (Clean Air BC)

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UPDATE: Tonight’s fireworks show will not be affected by smoke based on this afternoon’s forecasts, according to organizers.

EARLIER:

The thick blanket of lingering wildfire smoke could hamper the fireworks viewing experience for those who normally watch the Honda Celebration of Light from afar.

Visibility has been greatly reduced due to outflow winds that have transported smoke from the wildfires burning in the BC Interior to coastal regions.

According to Environment Canada’s special air quality statement for Metro Vancouver issued this morning, the smoke has mixed down to the ground in some areas and air quality forecasts are predicting smoke to become more widespread throughout this evening.

As of this morning, partial visibility is limited to 19 kms, but this will deteriorate as the day progresses.

This means views of tonight’s fireworks could be limited to locations close to the fireworks barge – the beaches and parks surrounding English Bay. There is a chance Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks may not be suitable.

As well, those who have respiratory conditions should consider avoiding this show and stay indoors.

Temperatures will also be abnormally warm for even a summer night. Expect 23°C by the water at English Bay when the fireworks start exploding, and 28°C when humidity is factored in.

Tonight’s show starting at 10 pm will be staged by a team representing the United Kingdom. This year’s shows run for up to 28 minutes each, three minutes longer than usual.

UPDATED: Wildfire smoke could affect tonight's visibility of Honda Celebration of Light

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