We have awoken in yet more smoke.
You can see current readings here. Anything over 20 is generally considered bad. Many places, including Port Alberni are around 100.
As you can see it’s bad all across the South Coast. Ed Wiebe sent this picture from UVic.
And here’s the view from Dr. J at the lake:
Try to stay indoors today. If you have a forced air system or mini-split heat pump, turn it onto fan and they will often be able to recirculate and filter the air. Wash out your filters every day.
Oh, and if you have an Alexa device, try out the Alberniweather Alexa Skill! Note: You have to be on the Canadian Amazon store to see it (Amazon.ca).
Updated Special Air Statement
Click the link at the top of the page for the latest one, here is the text right now.
The Regions of BC highlighted on the map are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 72 hours. The bulletin has been extended to include more regions over the weekend. Smoke impacts due to long-range transport from wildfires in the western United States have already been observed in some areas of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and portions of the Interior. Smoke forecast models indicate the potential for a significant push of smoke into BC throughout the weekend. The anticipated smoke trajectory indicates that the areas impacted will grow to the north and east as the weekend progresses with the most widespread impacts expected on Sunday. Areas at higher latitudes, such as Prince George, may have smoke passing through the region aloft. With falling temperatures overnight, temperature inversions in mountain valleys can increase the likelihood of smoke being trapped near the ground. Localized impacts from the Talbott Creek, Woodbury Creek, and Doctor Creek fires continue to be expected.
Weather changing Monday.
We should see a Pacific front push through Monday morning that should push away this smoke and deliver showers and rain.
Take care out there. And please consider the long term choices we must make in order to combat climate change. This is not a new normal, this is the earth catching up to us. It will not stop and we will not be able to adapt until we stop forcing it.
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