Wildfire smoke hits Metro Vancouver air quality as temperatures soar

Temperatures are rising in Metro Vancouver for the first week of August, and Fraser Valley residents are being warned about the worsening air quality throughout the region.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued its most recent air quality advisory on Monday, Aug. 3, 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 numerous wildfires in the province.

Hazy skies were also seen throughout Vancouver as the shortened work week began.

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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 complex of wildfires near Boston Bar and in the southern Interior.”

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), temperatures are spiking for the next 48 hours, reaching up to 31°C inland and making things feel up to 35°C inland with the humidex on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The UV index will also reach eight or very high in the forecast.

“We are going to see a relatively persistent pattern of an upper-level high pressure over the Pacific North West, bringing a warmer air mass,” said Justin Shelley, ECCC meteorologist.

“Smoke from wildfire activity is going to linger throughout the week as well, though air quality is much worse farther inland.”

What you should 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.

“Conditions may last until there is a change in the weather,” said Metro Vancouver.

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

BC Wildfire Service issued a status update over the weekend stating that the province experienced a “dynamic weather event” over a 24-hour period.

“This resulted in erratic wind with gusts up to 80 kilometres per hour in the Okanagan region, which quickly changed directions. This resulted in aggressive fire behaviour that challenged containment on multiple new and existing wildfires.

“Across the province, we received over 2200+ lightnings strikes, with 22 suspected lightning-caused wildfires starting in the last 24 hours. Of these, 12 have been classified as Out, Under Control or Being Held, and 10 remain classified as Out of Control.”

There are currently 119 wildfires burning in B.C. at the time of publication.

With files from Daily Hive staff