An Air Quality Advisory issued by Metro Vancouver on Wednesday was ended Thursday afternoon after smoke from wildfires outside the region dissipated.
Air quality values were still expected to reach 5 on a 10-point scale by late afternoon, meaning "moderate health risk."
The falling air quality was blamed on elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter, due to smoke from wildfires outside the region. There may be some smoke influence from the Wood Lake Fire near Harrison Lake, but it is likely that southeast winds are bringing the majority of smoke from Washington State wildfires.
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions were advised postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory was lifted. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
Rain is forecast for Friday.
Metro Vancouver works in cooperation with Environment Canada, the Fraser Valley Regional District and B.C. Ministry of Environment to look after air quality.
Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley communities and potential health impacts can be found at http://www.airmap.ca and www.bcairquality.ca.