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Another air quality advisory issued

UPDATE: Metro Vancouver says hot weather has increased ground-level ozone concentrations
smog
An air quality advisory has been issued for eastern Metro Vancouver including the Tri-Cities.

 

Metro Vancouver has once again issued an air quality advisory for the Tri-Cities and eastern parts of the region.

The advisory was sent out Wednesday because of high concentrations of ground-level ozone, and reissued on Thursday afternoon. Metro had canceled an earlier advisory last week when the weather shifted, but with the hot, dry conditions returning, it has issued another one this week.

A regional district press release said although the advisory is for ground-level ozone. In continuing the advisory Thursday, Metro Vancouver said the wildfire in West Vancouver at Whyte Lake and others on the South Coast may contribute to some localized smoke concentrations and haze they "are not causing particulate matter air quality objectives to be exceeded," said the release.

Metro Vancouver advises against strenuous outdoor activity during the mid-afternoon to early evening when ozone levels are the highest.

"Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease and asthma," said the release.

Anyone having chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing is advised to go see a healthcare provider.

The advisory is in effect until there is a change in the current weather. Environment Canada's forecast says that won't happen until Saturday, when there's a 60% chance of precipitation (30% Sunday). The long-range forecast calls for sunny skies to return Monday and Tuesday, although weather isn't expected to be as hot as it has been this week.

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