More hot weather, air quality statement continues in Metro Vancouver

The string of hot, dry weather continues in Metro Vancouver, along with an air quality advisory, but there could be relief on the horizon.

The forecast is showing another four days of sunny conditions before rain is expected beginning next weekend, according to Environment Canada.

What a sunrise. Hot and hazy again today. Probably the last of the ridiculously warm days this Fall. ⁦@CityNewsVAN⁩ pic.twitter.com/1Geo3PVcoT

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) October 16, 2022

Environment Canada says temperatures on Sunday could feel as high as 28 C with humidity inland.

On Friday, the agency is calling for a 70 per cent chance of showers with a high of 15 C, with a 60 per cent chance of rain and 13 C expected Saturday.

A special air quality statement remains in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley due to “elevated pollution levels.”

The advisory was first issued on Friday after the Eagle Ridge wildfire in West Vancouver was discovered.

That fire is now considered “under control,” according to the BC Wildfire Service.

Elsewhere, there are fires burning southeast of Chilliwack, near Hope, Harrison Lake, and in Washington which are producing smoke.

Environment Canada says the smoky conditions are going to stick around for “at least the next few days” because of stagnant weather conditions.

“Eastern parts of the Fraser Valley that are closer to many of the wildfires may experience greater smoke impacts compared to western parts of Metro Vancouver,” the agency said.

Related Stories: 

• No growth overnight for West Vancouver wildfire

• Metro Vancouver urging water conservation amid drought

• Air quality advisory expanded to Metro Vancouver and the Central Fraser Valley

This comes as much of British Columbia’s south coast has been experiencing an unusually warm and dry autumn season.

There has not yet been rainfall in the month of October, following just a handful of days with rain in September.

Furthermore, the entire area is under a level 5 drought rating, which is the province’s most extreme.

It has prompted calls from Metro Vancouver officials urging the public to conserve water use until the area’s streams get topped up with significant rainfall.

Be sure to listen to CityNews 1130 for weather updates every 10 minutes, or check anytime online.