Part of Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley under air quality advisory

A special air quality advisory has been issued for parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

According to the Metro Vancouver Regional District, northeast Metro Vancouver, along with the central and eastern Fraser Valley are under the advisory due to ground-level ozone.

The district says that smoke billowing from a wildfire near Mission, combined with the heatwave the province is experiencing, has also contributed to the hazy conditions.

“Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air. It is formed when nitrogen oxides (pollutants emitted when fuels are burned) and volatile organic compounds (emitted from solvents and other sources) react in the air in the presence of sunlight,” the advisory reads.

“The highest levels of ground-level ozone are generally observed between mid-afternoon and early evening on summer days.”

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The district warns locals to avoid “strenuous outdoor activities” in the afternoon and early evening and to keep an eye on if your breathing feels uncomfortable.

“Consider choosing easier outdoor activities, such as walking instead of running, where you do not have to breathe as hard. Exposure is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as asthma,” it adds.

The advisory is expected to be in effect until the temperatures begin to cool off.