Okanagan may see some smoke relief this weekend

OKANAGAN – A change in the weather is on the way, and with it, some hope for an improvement in air quality in the Okanagan.

Environment Canada meteorologist Ross MacDonald says a stagnant air mass that has been putting a lid on wildfire smoke in the valley will begin moving out of the region later today, Aug. 23, with the first of a series of weather systems that will result in an cooler, more active weather pattern over the coming week.

But he cautions, depending on how things line up, regions downstream of the many wildfires burning in the province could be in line for more smoke because of a northwest flow.

“Things are starting to look better. With these systems there will be more horizontal and vertical mixing of the air. The vertical component is the key to reducing smoke concentration levels,” MacDonald says.

The Okanagan can expect a high of 26 Celsius today, under smoky skies.

Friday and Saturday will cool off, with a high of 21 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers on both days.

MacDonald says a stronger weather system is expected to pass through the Okanagan late Sunday, bringing the possibility of more rain – as much as 10 mm – and a high of only 21 C.

Monday will be even cooler, with a high of 19 C and a 70 per cent chance of showers.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 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.