Well, Burnaby's air isn't exactly stellar - but there are signs it may be getting better.
Most of the city's air quality monitoring stations have dropped to a 5 on the air quality health index this morning, putting it in the moderate range - although Burnaby Mountain is sitting at an 8, or high risk.
Metro Vancouver is continuing its air quality advisory for the region due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter from the wildfire smoke that's blanketing most of the province. The advisory has also been expanded to include ground-level ozone - formed when nitrogen oxides (pollutants emitted when fuels are burned) and volatile organic compounds react in the air in sunlight.
Everyone is still advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially during the mid-afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are at their highest. As always, the warning particularly applies to older adults, infants and those with underlying medical conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or asthma.
The air quality advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the weather - and, ironically, grey clouds may be the bright spot on the forecast. Environment Canada is calling for clouds and wind starting tonight, with a chance of showers for the next few days starting tomorrow (Thursday).
Follow www.airmap.ca for the latest in air quality conditions.
