If you thought the air felt a little better in New West this morning, you weren't wrong.
As of 8:15 a.m., the city was sitting at a 5 on the air quality health index, down from yesterday's 7.
The Level 7 ranked as "high risk," meaning that people are urged to take caution, especially when doing physical activity. Children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung problems are urged to take it easy. Level 5, meanwhile, falls into the "moderate" zone.
The readings for fine particulate matter are still high in New West, as in the rest of Metro Vancouver, thanks to the smoke from wildfires raging around the Pacific Northwest.
Environment Canada is continuing a special weather advisory for today due to air quality and forecasts widespread smoke to continue throughout the day. But the forecast also calls for a clearing trend as the week moves on, with Metro Vancouver weather called to be hazy tomorrow and clear by Friday.
Meanwhile, anyone who's suffering symptoms from the air - such as throat irritation and coughing - should reduce their activity level. For greatest relief from the air quality, seek indoor, air-conditioned areas.
Keep an eye on www.airmap.ca for current conditions in your neighbourhood.
