Wildfire smoke cast an eerie light over Agassiz Tuesday morning as an air quality advisory issued Monday continued.
The Air Quality Health Index was at seven Tuesday morning, indicating a “high health risk.”
Children, the elderly and people with compromised health are being advised to take it easy.
For everyone else, says the B.C. environment ministry, “Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.”
The poor air quality is being blamed on forest fires from B.C.’s interior, coupled with a change in wind direction.
Compounding the situation is the extreme heat expected throughout the week. Thursday’s forecast high for Agassiz is 35.
The advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.
Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, as well as fire behaviour.
Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (µm) or less. PM2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of its small size.
For up-to-date information on air quality, go to the Air Quality Health Index, or MetroVancouver air map.