Weekend rain should help improve air quality in Thompson-Okanagan

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – The rain falling throughout the Thompson-Okanagan today should help with the forest fire smoke in the air.

Although Environment Canada meteorologist Louis Kohanyi isn’t optimistic the rain forecast to fall throughout the weekend will be enough to lift the special air quality statement issued for the region.

The forecast is calling for showers and possibly thundershowers today, Aug. 29, with clouds and showers off and on all of next week.

“We are expecting the rain will help with air quality a little bit today, but the smoky skies advisory is still in effect,” Kohanyi says. “There’s not going to be enough rain today.”

He predicts we will see significant air quality improvement by early in the week after a couple of days of rain and a shift in the flow of air aloft in a more westerly direction.

Right now, the airflow at higher altitude is pushing the smoke from wildfires burning in Washington state, including the Stickpin fire just across the border from Grand, north into the southern Interior, and as far away as Alberta and Manitoba.

Because of the poor air quality, Environment Canada recommends residents avoid strenuous outdoor activities and get medical help if they have difficulty breathing, chest pains or other health concerns.

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