Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Ken Dosanjh tells CHEK News that Victoria is expected to see the most smoke, but areas as far north as the Gold River can expect to see smoky skies. “It’s basically heading right toward Vancouver Island at this point, more specifically, Victoria and the southern parts of the island,” Dosanjh said. “That’s likely to persist today and tonight…and then into tomorrow, we’re looking at a continuation from today, except maybe a little less because of this system moving from the southwest over Pacific waters.” Dosanjh says there is a chance of light rain overnight and Sunday which could moderate some of the smoke for the island. Just before 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin for areas of the province, including Sidney, Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Metchosin and the Southern Gulf Islands. “Stay inside if you have difficulty breathing. Find an indoor space that is cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters the air can help,” the bulletin states. “If you open the windows, you may let in more polluted air. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, mall, recreation center) that is air-conditioned.” Regarding the Environment and Climate Change in the Canadian Air Quality Health Index, air quality in Duncan, Nanaimo, Comox, Courtenay, Victoria/Saanich and the West Shore is expected to be about three out of 10+ on Saturday. On Sunday all of these areas except Victoria/Saanich and the West Shore are expected to move up the quad. Victoria/Saanich and West Shore will remain in the top three. Dosanjh says that at this level of air quality advice, high-risk people with conditions like asthma should reduce vigorous outdoor activities, and everyone should reduce the time they spend outside. He says that after Sunday the sky should be clearer. Dosanjh says no clouds are expected on Saturday, so if people see anything that looks like clouds, it’s probably smoke. Happy #Saturday #VancouverIsland 😎 Here’s to your #Vanisle #weather ✅ SOUTH 27☀️💨 🌫 local smoke EAST 28☀️🌫 hazy WEST 30☀️🌫 hazy Coast 25☀️NORTH 18🌤 Full @CHEK_News forecast on the 5th 📷 Jean Panepinto @CHEK_media #ShareYourWeather #bcwx pic.twitter.com/MGgiAweGsC — Tess van Straaten (@tessvanstraaten) September 10, 2022 Do you have photos of the smoky skies you’d like to see online? Send them to [email protected]
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