Smoke continues to blanket Nanaimo and most of southern BC with stagnant weather patterns providing little respite for the rest of the week. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SMOKEY SKIES

Smoke expected to remain over Nanaimo, Vancouver Island

Sep 14, 2020 | 12:04 PM

NANAIMO — There’s little respite in sight from the smoke blanketing Vancouver Island.

Air quality indexes across southern British Columbia have soared due to forest fires along the Unites States’ west coast sending thick smoke north.

Carmen Hartt, Environment Canada meteorologist, told NanaimoNewsNOW the small chance of rain in the forecast over the next 24 hours won’t return things to normal.

“We really need a change in the large scale pattern because in this case the smoke is just dominating, affecting the whole southern half of British Columbia and the western United States as well,” Hartt said.

She expected smoke will remain through much of the week at various levels before clearing over the weekend.

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The provincial air quality health index listed Nanaimo at a 10+ ranking Monday morning, representing the highest health risk.

Widespread smoke is impacting a majority of southern British Columbia, with most reporting stations at a 10+ on Monday morning. (BC Government Air Quality Index)

Under these conditions, people are asked to avoid avoid strenuous activities outside. Those with respiratory issues are especially prone to issues during smoke events.

On Monday afternoon Canada Post suspended delivery service for the day across much of southern BC, including Vancouver Island. A statement from the company cited unsafe conditions for their letter carriers.

Hartt said B.C. is shifting into a seasonal change, which should help matters significantly.

“In the fall we do start to see more active weather patterns. As those more fall-like weather patterns come through, we should see more variation in the weather and that will certainly help with the forest fire situation,” Hartt said.

She cautioned the forest fires in Washington, Oregon and California do not appear to be going anywhere any time soon and a repeat smoke event is possible in the next few weeks.

School District 68 reported Monday morning they would proceed with a return to school, however ensure all doors and windows remained closed.

A letter from superintendent Scott Saywell noted school air conditioning units would be at full capacity and ensuring fresh, clean air for students.

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