Smoky skies return to Lower Mainland following a summer of clear skies, further pollution expected.

In the face of elevated levels of wildfire smoke and heat, authorities in British Columbia have issued an air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The advisory, issued by the Metro Vancouver Regional District, warns of hazy conditions caused by fine particulate matter.

The City of Vancouver has responded by opening additional cleaner air spaces in municipal facilities, enabling residents to get out of the smoke. Meanwhile, the New Westminster School District has moved all outdoor activities inside as a precaution.

Dr. Sarah Henderson, scientific director of environmental health at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, has highlighted the combined impact of heat and wildfire smoke on the body, stating that their combined effect is greater than when either occurs alone.

Henderson advises those at higher risk during the current conditions to take extra care. This includes anyone with compromised health, pregnant people, young children, seniors, and people who work outdoors. Henderson recommends taking it easy when outdoors, going for a walk instead of a hard run, wearing a well-fitted N95 or similar respirator, drinking plenty of water, and listening to one's body during this time.

The origins of the toxic particles currently appearing in British Columbia's Lower Mainland are primarily from wildfire smoke and industrial pollution. The wildfires are coming from various locations, including fires near Hope and Whistler, in the Cariboo, in northern Washington state, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories.

As of Wednesday, there were 155 active wildfires across British Columbia, 58 of them listed as out of control. B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar expects conditions to worsen, with much of Southern B.C. to be affected in the days to come. The wildfire smoke is expected to reach Abbotsford and the coast by Friday.

Metro Vancouver advises keeping doors and windows closed where temperatures allow and using a good-quality air filter in ventilation systems. Residents are also encouraged to check the Air Quality Health Index regularly for updates. As of noon on Wednesday, the index for Vancouver, the North Shore, Burnaby, and New Westminster was listed at 10-plus, or "very high risk."

In Richmond and Delta, the risk was even higher, with a 7, or "high risk," rating. Southern and eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley were listed as 3, or "low risk."

Stay informed, stay safe, and follow the advice of health authorities during this time.

Smoky skies return to Lower Mainland following a summer of clear skies, further pollution expected.