Metro Vancouver air quality worsens as wildfire smoke settles over region

Wildfire smoke is degrading air quality across Metro Vancouver as temperatures climb this week. The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued a yellow air quality advisory Monday, August 3, for the Eastern Fraser Valley due to elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) caused by numerous wildfires in the province.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), temperatures will spike for the next 48 hours, reaching up to 31°C inland and feeling like 35°C with the humidex on Tuesday and Wednesday. The UV index is forecast to reach eight, classified as very high.

Smoke from wildfires near Boston Bar and in the southern Interior is the primary source of poor air quality. "Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour," Metro Vancouver said in a release. "Conditions may last until there is a change in the weather."

PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and affect heart and lung health. They can be caused by wildfire smoke, vehicles, industry, and burning material. Metro Vancouver advises limiting outdoor activities and their intensity while PM2.5 levels are high. Some people are at higher risk, including those with underlying conditions such as asthma, lung disease, or heart disease; pregnant people; older adults; children and infants; and outdoor workers.

According to ECCC meteorologist Justin Shelley, "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. Smoke from wildfire activity is going to linger throughout the week as well, though air quality is much worse farther inland."