Metro Vancouver has issued an air quality alert for the central and eastern Fraser Valley that is expected to persist until Wednesday. The warning is primarily due to an increase in ground-level ozone, also known as smog, caused by the combination of heat and emissions in the region.
According to Metro Vancouver’s official website, the current weather conditions of hot and sunny weather, coupled with local emissions, have led to heightened levels of ground-level ozone. The warning is anticipated to continue until there is a shift in the weather pattern.
Meteorologist Michael Kuss from 1130 NewsRadio mentioned that light winds in the area are likely to prevent the dispersal of ground-level ozone over the next few days. However, he also noted that the situation is expected to improve by late Wednesday and into Thursday as the sun assists in clearing out local pollutants.
To stay safe during this air quality warning, the regional district advises individuals to consider delaying outdoor activities, seek out cleaner and cooler air where possible, and keep an eye out for symptoms like shortness of breath, severe coughing, and dizziness among friends and family.
For real-time updates and a comprehensive map of air quality readings across the region, you can visit the Metro Vancouver website.