An air quality advisory for Chilliwack and the entire Lower Mainland has been extended to a fifth straight day.
Metro Vancouver, which monitors air quality throughout the region – including the Fraser Valley Regional District – said high concentrations of fine particulate matter from wildfires continue to be a concern.
And while more favourable wind conditions resulted in air quality improvements on Tuesday, fine particulate matter concentrations continue to be very variable as wildfire smoke remains in the region and surrounding areas.
The air quality advisory was initially posted on Sunday.
On Thursday, air quality in the eastern Fraser Valley was expected to climb to six on a one-to-11 scale, meaning "moderate health risk."
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous activities until the advisory is lifted, Metro Vancouver said. Staying indoors 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.
This advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.