Forecasts from Environment Canada, the provincial Air Quality Index, and other sources all call for an increase in wildfire smoke across the mid-Island over the weekend. (Image Credit: FireSmoke.ca)
hazy skies
Wildfire smoke set to drop mid-Island air quality
Aug 14, 2026 | 9:36 AM
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NANAIMO — After largely avoiding any wildfire-related impacts so far this summer, skies are set to be smoky locally over the coming days.
Air quality forecasts for the Nanaimo region, along with projections from Environment Canada, call for smoke moving across the Nanaimo and Oceanside areas beginning Friday, Aug. 14, and continuing through much of the weekend.
The provincial Air Quality Index calls for ‘moderate risk’ air quality beginning Saturday, Aug. 15, suggesting those prone to issues with changing air quality “consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.”
No specific changes in behaviour are recommended for those less susceptible to poor air quality.
