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Widespread smoke in the forecast across the region

Air quality and smoky skies for the eighth straight day from Metro Vancouver to the Fraser Valley
22704266_web1_200915-CPL-Air-Quality-Update-EFV_2
AQ for the EFV on Sept. 15, 2020. (Environment Canada)

The Fraser Valley and the entire Lower Mainland are definitely not out of the woods yet in terms of poor air quality but the overnight rains were welcome nonetheless.

The air quality health index for Tuesday, Sept. 15 is still forecast “very high health risk” due to widespread smoke drifting into B.C. from fires in Washington and Oregon.

Health officials have been telling those at risk to stay indoors, especially for the elderly, and those with compromised lung and heart conditions.

Anything above a 7 rating on the AQHI is a health consideration, and the Eastern Fraser Valley has been at a 10+ for several days.

Slightly improved air quality readings in the Fraser Valley could be coming by Thursday, although the blanket of smoke is still expected to continue, and the smoke is forecast to become thick fog overnight Tuesday.

For the eighth straight day an air quality alert and smoky skies have been the dominant part of any weather report for the entire Lower Mainland region, and they remain in place for Sept. 15.

READ MORE: See drone footage over Cultus

READ MORE: Hoping for relief in the Lower Mainland


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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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