Air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An air quality advisory is now blanketing the Lower Mainland, not unlike the wildfire smoke and haze that’s causing it. The advisory affects both Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

The regional district says fires burning in B.C. and Washington state are contributing to elevated fine particulate matter in the air and hazy skies.

By mid afternoon Thursday, smoke was inundating the central and eastern Fraser Valley. It’s expected to also reach other areas Friday or Saturday.

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Metro Vancouver also warns of high concentrations of ground-level ozone, owing ot the hot and sunny weather.

Photos on social media showed sepia-toned views throughout the Fraser Valley, while skies in downtown Vancouver remained clear through the afternoon.

7:20 – Current view from the @NEWS1130 Air Patrol of the haze above #BCHwy1. #LangleyBC #Abbotsford #Chilliwack #FraserValley #BCHeatWave #BCWildfire Photo courtesy of @Rileythedj pic.twitter.com/OPtkZWGKS4

— CityNews Vancouver Traffic (@CityNewsTraffic) August 12, 2021

People with underlying health conditions are asked to limit physical activity while the advisory is up. Vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing homelessness, may be at higher risk of impacts from bad air quality, they say.

NEWS 1130 will have updates on the smoke as conditions change on-air, online, through your app, and on your smart speaker.