Metro Vancouver’s air quality worsens before relief later this week

An air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver has been extended once again as wildfire smoke from blazes across the Pacific Northwest settles in the region.

Initially issued Friday last week, Environment Canada says the advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley will continue due to the high concentrations of “fine particulate matter” in the air.

CityNews meteorologist Michael Kuss says Wednesday morning’s air quality is the worst it has been all year, with all areas of the Lower Mainland being affected.

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“The smoke we’ve seen in the atmosphere over the last couple of days, it’s still locked in and it’s not going anywhere,” he explained. “We just don’t have enough wind coming in from the ocean.”

Kuss says moving into Thursday, the air quality will continue to be rated badly, at a “moderate-to-poor” rating until the winds change.

“Late in the day tomorrow, winds will become more westerly, and heading into the weekend, the smoke is going to get cleared up with that rain coming, [and] that’s certainly going to help with the actual fires as well.”

With winds changing to onshore as opposed to offshore, Kuss says the atmosphere will get a “cleaning” with the rain, too.

“[Going] into Friday, with the westerly wind and rain pushing into the area, that smoke is going to get cleaned right out.”

Environment Canada suggests people postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity while the air advisory is in place.

“Exposure to PM2.5 is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections; pregnant women and infants; children; older adults; and outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers). Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk (e.g. people who are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused),” the weather bureau says.

It also suggests using air filtration or air conditioning systems in indoor spaces or visiting a library, community centre, or mall to find relief.

“If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 in the case of an emergency,” it says.