iN PHOTOS: Apocalyptic-like sky in South Okanagan due to wildfire smoke, ash

Many regions in B.C. are being impacted by wildfire smoke and last night South Okanagan residents turned their cameras to the smoky skies.

A smoky skies bulletin is in effect for the Okanagan and last night, July 19, a wildfire just south of the U.S. border saw substantial growth with its smoke plume.

The smoke from that fire blew north through the Okanagan, and other local fires contributed to the deterioration of the air quality, said Lisa Erven meteorologist with Environment Canada.

“We’ve got a fairly similar wind pattern for today, with more southerly winds expected so we’ve kept the air quality forecast for the Okanagan at a moderate (level),” she said, adding the forecast will likely remain the same for today, July 20, and tomorrow.

There is currently a moderate risk in the Okanagan with a rating of five. The Air Quality Health Index rates quality on a scale from one to 10, with 10 having a high risk of impact to the general public.

But the smoke can be at different concentrations depending on the elevation.

For Thursday, wind direction will likely change to more of a westerly flow, which would help redirect the smoke plume from the U.S. fire away from the Okanagan, however smoke may persist from other fires in B.C., Erven said.

“There’s so many fires locally here in B.C. and in all directions from the Okanagan that it’s a really challenging situation,” she said.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.