UPDATE: Wildfire smoke blankets Okanagan for second day

UPDATE: May 18 10 a.m.

The North Okanagan’s air quality health index is in the high range this morning due to wildfire smoke.

Environment Canada says the widespread smoke is expected to decrease to “local smoke” late this morning.

“For Okanagan zones, smoke impacts may be higher at higher elevation; local showers may also alleviate smoke conditions,” the weather agency stated in an air quality statement.

Most of the smoke is coming is coming from fires in northern B.C. and Alberta.

Michael Mehta, a professor of geography and environmental studies at Thompson Rivers University, is encouraging people to wear face masks in smoky areas.

He says the risks associated with wildfire smoke are numerous and serious, but they’re not always understood by the public.

You can get up-to-date smoke coverage information at firesmoke.ca.

(With files from The Canadian Press)

UPDATE May 17: 4 p.m.

The smoky conditions have gotten worse in the Vernon area as the day has progressed, and so has the air quality.

The North Okanagan’s air quality health index was at 10, or high, as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The Central Okanagan AQHI was listed as 7, also in the high range.

Click here for more details.

Original story

Wildfire smoke and haze over Vernon as of 9 a.m. May 17. (Vernon Matters Staff photo)

The wildfire smoke is back in the Okanagan, and other parts of British Columbia.

Environment Canada says it will remain for the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather.

“Smoke is widespread through central B.C. and extending into southeastern B.C. along the Rocky Mountains. Haze and smoke conditions will be variable within these regions,” the weather agency stated.

The smoke is coming from the major fires in northern B.C. and Alberta, and the conditions are expected to get worse later today and into the overnight period.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Vernon’s air quality index was rated as 2 or low risk as of 9 a.m.

For more on air quality in B.C., click here.