B.C. prepares for potential wildfire growth in the coming days as favourable conditions persist. Wildfire activity surged over the weekend, with over 130 active wildfires now threatening air quality, as well.
The province will see the return of dry and hot weather, and that stretch will maintain or elevate high and extreme fire danger ratings in some areas.
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New wildfire risk increases as smoke spreads
By Tuesday, a northeast wind flow is expected to drive dense wildfire smoke toward Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
Metro Vancouver last issued an air quality warning on July 23, but current smoke conditions could worsen, and be even denser.
“Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour,” said Envrionment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the air quality alert. “Limit outdoor activity. Reduce activity duration and intensity.”
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A ridge of high pressure is forecast to strengthen Tuesday, bringing rising temperatures and shifting the storm track northward.
This pattern will eliminate any chances of precipitation in the southern and interior regions of B.C. for the next 5-7 days, raising fire risk further.
Dry and hot conditions are expected to persist through the workweek, maintaining or intensifying high to extreme fire danger across the interior.
Lingering smoke could significantly impact air quality, especially on the South Coast.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across B.C.
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