Metro Vancouver will feel near 40 degrees as air quality worsens due to wildfires
Temperatures are spiking in Metro Vancouver, and Fraser Valley residents are being urged to use caution as an air quality warning is in place for the region.
The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued the air quality advisory on Monday, July 20, for the Eastern Fraser Valley.
According to the advisory, the yellow air quality warning was issued due to elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) caused by several wildfires in the province.
BC Wildfire Service
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“Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour,” said Metro Vancouver in a release.
“Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, including the Brunswick Complex near Boston Bar and wildfires in the southern Interior.”
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), temperatures will soar for the next 48 hours, reaching up to 32°C inland and making things feel up to 38°C inland with the humidex on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The UV index will also be nine or very high.
ECCC
Things to know during the air quality warning
The Metro Vancouver Regional District explained that PM2.5 are small particles that affect lung and heart health, and can be caused by wildfire smoke, vehicles, industry, and burning material.
The district advises limiting outdoor activities and their intensity while PM2.5 levels are high.
Some people are more at risk from lower air quality than others, including:
- people with underlying conditions (e.g., asthma, lung disease, heart disease)
- pregnant people
- older adults
- children and infants
- outdoor workers
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Extended heat warnings have also been issued for over B.C. regions, and the public is urged to use caution.
Temperatures are expected to reach mid-to-high 30s in several parts of the province, combined with overnight lows in the mid-to-high teens.
“A ridge of high pressure will bring elevated temperatures to the region,” said ECCC in its warning posted online. “High temperatures may persist until Thursday, followed by a cooling trend.”
With files from Daily Hive staff