Smoky skies will persist in Howe Sound as well as other parts of British Columbia for few more days.
Smoky conditions are expected to be variable but will persist in areas until Thursday, Sept 17, according to the latest bulletin.
“Very heavy smoke from the United States is continuing to have extensive impacts across the southern third of the province with lesser impacts extending into the mid-regions of the province,” according to the bulletin by the Ministry of Environment.
Meanwhile, the air quality index remains above 10, which is characterized as very high health risk.
People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.
Exposure to wildfire smoke and the virus that causes COVID-19 can both result in respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.