Smoky skies in Okanagan, Kamloops expected to worsen over the weekend

Okanagan and Kamloops residents could face worsening smoke conditions over the next few days thanks to smoke from the huge wildfires burning south of the border in Washington state, Oregon and even California.

Environment Canada meteorologist Carman Hartt says the South Okanagan could see heavy smoke today, Sept. 11, especially in the Osoyoos area, with variable conditions elsewhere.

A trend towards increasing smoke will see air quality deteriorate north towards Kelowna and Vernon tomorrow.

By Sunday, the wildfire smoke the wildfires burning in California, Oregon and Washington state is expected to creep into the North Okanagan, Shuswap and Kamloops areas, Hartt says.

Hartt says smoke impacts over the weekend could be exacerbated by worsening fire conditions south of the border.

A special air quality statement is in effect for the north, central and south Okanagan.

Environment Canada says smoke conditions can change quickly and vary widely over short distances and hour by hour. People with pre-existing health conditions respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, and others are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.

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