Conditions have improved but a smoky skies bulletin continued in Greater Victoria and other parts of Vancouver Island on Monday, largely from wildfires in Washington state.
Environment Canada meteorologist Derek Lee said a southerly flow of air brought smoke from Washington state to the region over the weekend. Several wildfires are burning east of Seattle near White River, just south of the B.C. border.
On Monday, much of the smoke was pushed toward the Lower Mainland, Lee said.
“So we’re looking at improving trends for the next few days or so, all the way up to Thursday for the Vancouver Island area.”
He said there were a few showers Monday morning on eastern Vancouver Island, including thunderstorms, that helped to improve air quality there.
The official air-quality forecast was “moderate” risk on Monday.
“For the next upcoming days our air quality is expected to go back down to the low-risk range,” Lee said.
People should consider reducing activity outdoors when the air quality is at medium risk, should they develop any symptoms, he said.
“There’s no need to really modify any activities unless you’re coughing or experiencing throat irritation.”
Lee said temperatures for the next few days look to be above seasonal averages, in the low 20s, with a mix of sun and cloud for most of the Island.
“It isn’t until late Thursday into Friday and into the weekend that we see a return of showers again.”
jbell@timescolonist.com
