Photo: Firesmoke.ca UPDATE 12:49 p.m Environment Canada has ended the Special Air Quality Statement for the Thompson-Okanagan. A news release from the provincial government and Internal Health states, “The Smoky Skies Bulletin last updated on August 11, 2022, has expired. Smoke concentrations from the fires have decreased over the past 24 hours.” The initial bulletin was issued Wednesday for the South Okanagan and Kootenays and has been expanded to include the South, Central and North Okanagan and Kamloops. Weather conditions have now improved enough that the bulletin and warning have been cancelled. ORIGINAL 8:40 AM Residents in the southern interior of British Columbia can expect more smoke in the skies. Environment Canada’s Special Air Quality Statement remains in effect for the Thompson-Okanagan. The southern, central and northern parts of the interior will be affected by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours. “The Southern Interior continues to be affected by widespread smoke. Thunderstorms and power transport today may clear smoke, but may also lead to new fire activity,” Environment Canada says. Much of the Southern Interior has been under a smoky sky watch since Wednesday, and the area expanded Thursday. The website Firesmoke.ca tracks smoke from wildfires as it moves across the continent. “People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from secondhand smoke exposure,” the bulletin said. Unsettled weather across the Interior this week is expected to keep smoke from nearby fires relatively light in the Okanagan, but a ridge of high pressure is forecast to return to BC next week. High pressure ridges can trap smoke on the valley floor.
