Isabella O'Malley
WEATHERNETWORK
The air quality across British Columbia has reached dangerous levels and The Weather Network meteorologist Kevin MacKay warns that “we are in for quite a weekend.” According to the Government of British Columbia, there are over 200 wildfires burning as of Friday afternoon, which are largely causing the dangerous air quality conditions.
B.C. dealing with the widespread effects of drought
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An upper level low sitting off Canada’s west coast and the current position of the jet stream are creating stagnant conditions over southern B.C. and are allowing the wildfire smoke to stay concentrated over the region the fires are burning in.
B.C. dealing with the widespread effects of drought
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An upper level low sitting off Canada’s west coast and the current position of the jet stream are creating stagnant conditions over southern B.C. and are allowing the wildfire smoke to stay concentrated over the region the fires are burning in.
© Provided by The Weather Network
There is also high pressure over the Pacific Ocean and Saskatachewan, which is essentially bookending the smoke over the Rocky Mountains and further intensifying the poor air quality conditions. All of these atmospheric conditions will contribute to dangerous air quality this long weekend.
“I’ve had an intense headache for 24 hrs... smoke is in the house. Can’t avoid it. There is ashfall daily on my back deck and cars. It really got bad the last few days when you know smoke is coming into the house through the vents,” says Jaclyn Whittal, a meteorologist at The Weather Network who is currently in the Okanagan Valley.
There is also high pressure over the Pacific Ocean and Saskatachewan, which is essentially bookending the smoke over the Rocky Mountains and further intensifying the poor air quality conditions. All of these atmospheric conditions will contribute to dangerous air quality this long weekend.
“I’ve had an intense headache for 24 hrs... smoke is in the house. Can’t avoid it. There is ashfall daily on my back deck and cars. It really got bad the last few days when you know smoke is coming into the house through the vents,” says Jaclyn Whittal, a meteorologist at The Weather Network who is currently in the Okanagan Valley.
© Provided by The Weather NetworkWildfire smoke blocking out the sunlight in the Okanagan Valley. (Jaclyn Whittal)
Video: B.C continues to battle wildfires and poor air quality but help is on the way (The Weather Network)
Video: B.C continues to battle wildfires and poor air quality but help is on the way (The Weather Network)
The poor air quality in B.C. is currently amongst the worst in the world, with Vernon reaching a rating of 309 and Castlegar reaching a staggering 583.
Some of the most dangerous components in wildfire smoke are carbon monoxide and microscopic, ultrafine particles called PM 2.5, which are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller and cause health complications when they enter the lungs or bloodstream.
“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. If your home is not air-conditioned, be sure the house doesn't get too warm when doors and windows are closed to keep out smoke,” Environment Canada states.
© Provided by The Weather NetworkMacKay says that the Okanagan Valley is an area where conditions will be particularly dangerous over the next five days.
“[The air quality] is now surpassing the worst air quality from last summer. This could be the worst air quality in years, if not on record for some areas across southern B.C.”
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