Special air quality statement continued for Howe Sound

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Howe Sound. An approaching trough of low pressure is shifting winds to a westerly direction along the coast which will result in a gradual improvement in air quality beginning today as Pacific air moves onshore. While the trough will deliver enhanced mixing of the atmosphere and even a chance of showers, the forecast rainfall amounts will do little to abate the current wildfires. Communities downwind of wildfires will continue to experience high concentrations of fine particulate matter and poor air quality for the foreseeable future.

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.

• Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. 
• People with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, infants, children and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.

For more information on current air quality, see: www.bcairquality.ca.

More details on the alert are available here.

August 23, 2018