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Alert for unsettled weather in interior
Environment Canada this morning issued a special weather statement and a special air quality statement for the East Kootenay.
Windy and unsettled weather is expected across the B.C. Interior today.
“A cold front that moved through the Cariboo last night will move across the southern Interior today and into the Kootenays early this evening. As the front passed last night, moderate northwest winds developed over the Cariboo. These winds are expected to continue through this afternoon under an unsettled northwest flow,” Environment Canada reported.
As the front pushes south eastward this afternoon and evening, moderate to strong north-westerly winds will develop across many southern Interior regions with gusts as high as 60 km/h possible.
Isolated thunderstorms are also expected to develop across the Columbia and Kootenay regions this afternoon and evening. Brief showers with strong gusts to 80 km/h are possible near thunderstorms, particularly in the Kootenays.
In addition, smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Smoke is expected or occurring in some areas of the B.C. Interior.
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin for the following areas: Kinbasket, North Columbia, West Columbia, East Columbia, Yoho Park – Kootenay Park, Elk Valley, East Kootenay, Arrow Lake – Slocan Lake, Kootenay Lake, West Kootenay, Boundary, Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola, South Thompson, Shuswap, North Thompson, 100 Mile, Cariboo (North and South), and Chilcotin.
Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
This bulletin will remain in effect until further notice.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
For more information on current air quality.
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