Metro Vancouver air quality warning to be reduced to "moderate" by night

Air quality warnings in Metro Vancouver will be reduced to moderate for both the Southern and Northern areas of the city by the time night falls, according to Environment Canada. The warning stems from fine particulate matter and smoke in the air from wildfires around the province.

At the moment, the Air Quality index for Northern areas of Metro Vancouver are as high as eight, which constitutes a high risk. By nighttime, the highest number for the city will be six, which constitutes a moderate risk.

The chart below shows where we currently sit on the far left and where the warnings are headed throughout the day:

Screenshot/Environment Canada

Environment Canada released this warning early this morning saying the smoke might stick around for the foreseeable future:

Forest fire smoke continues to affect much of the inner South Coast. While low level wind patterns are changing, ushering in cooler marine air through Juan de Fuca strait, winds aloft are expected to remain fairly light. Slightly cooler temperatures and modest improvements in visibilities and air quality are expected. Smoke aloft may linger for some time.

Environment Canada is recommending people keep an eye on their air quality forecasts for further warnings.

People have been taking to Twitter posting their photos of the smoke clogging the air in Vancouver:

Smoke over Burnaby/Vancouver this morning. I think there will be a smokey episode of spn if this doesn't clear soon! pic.twitter.com/gZ27BtWse9

— SpnUK (@SpnUK) July 6, 2015

Smoke-obscured #Vancouver skyline from Lions Gate Bridge. pic.twitter.com/VjncWNo6UU

— Bob Mackin (@bobmackin) July 6, 2015

#Vancouver over the past 4 days, from @VanMag_com offices. I never though I'd say this, but I miss Toronto summers. pic.twitter.com/HNsrgs6ctI

— Tom Gierasimczuk (@Gierasimczuk) July 6, 2015