Haze from wildfire smoke in Thompson Okanagan expected to dissipate

The haze hanging over the Thompson Okanagan in the last few days is supposed to dissipate later this long weekend.

Wildfires in B.C. and below the Canada-U.S. border are causing smoke in the region, and prompting an Environment Canada smoky skies advisory for the Similkameen.

“It's not elevated enough to justify a warning” in other parts of the region, said Philippe-Alain Bergeron, Environment Canada meteorologist.

According to the real-time World Air Quality Index, the Thompson Okanagan’s air quality ranges from moderate, where some pollutants are in the air, to unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

Models show smoke plumes will likely dissipate tonight and tomorrow but the big change will be seen on Monday. Warm air overnight and in the morning is trapping the particles inside the valley, Bergeron said.

With southerly winds on Sunday and Monday, there could be an increase in smoke but that is expected to dissipate by Monday afternoon with strong northerly winds.

“It’s actually quite encouraging,” he said. “Instead of staying trapped, it’s all going to be disbursed with the winds."

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.