High pressure system trapping wildfire smoke over Prince George, relief possible later this week

The situation is being made worse by relatively light winds, which are expected to continue for the next couple of days. Without stronger winds to disperse the smoke, particles from ongoing wildfires remain suspended in the air, reducing air quality and visibility across many regions, including Prince George.

Loney says smoke conditions can vary significantly, even within the same community. In much of B.C., geography plays a major role in determining where smoke travels and how concentrated it becomes.

Valleys, which are common throughout the province, can act as funnels that direct smoke either toward or away from communities depending on wind direction. Even small shifts in local winds can bring noticeable changes in air quality.

“If the wind shifts for any length of time, you might get an improvement in air quality,” Loney explained. “If it comes from the source of the fire, then you would get a degradation.”

Time of day also affects smoke concentrations. During daylight hours, the atmosphere becomes less stable, allowing smoke to disperse somewhat. At night, however, cooler temperatures create a stable layer near the surface that compresses smoke closer to the ground.

“We feel it in the mornings,” said Loney.

Health officials continue to recommend limiting outdoor activity when air quality reaches moderate or worse levels. Loney says extra caution should be taken by seniors, young children and people with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.

However, he notes that smoke can also affect otherwise healthy individuals.

“That particulate in the air is not good at all for lung tissue,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to keep windows closed when possible and spend time in air-conditioned buildings with filtered air, such as community centres, malls or libraries.

While smoke may remain a concern as long as wildfires continue to burn, there is hope for improvement later this week.

Loney says a cold front is expected to move across British Columbia from northwest to southeast, bringing cleaner air from the Pacific Ocean behind it.

“We do expect to see an improvement in air quality, even as early as tomorrow, but likely Thursday and beyond,” he said.

by CKPG News

High pressure system trapping wildfire smoke over Prince George, relief possible later this week

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