UPDATE: 10:45 a.m.
The special air quality statement that was issued for the Okanagan amid heavy wildfire smoke has now ended.
Environment Canada lifted the statement Thursday morning, as favourable conditions continue to be seen across the region.
Temperatures in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton for the day are expected to reach 25 C.
Local smoke remains in the forecast for all three communities, according to the federal agency.
BC Wildfire Service says active blazes in Kelowna and Lake Country, respectively, are now considered held.
The previously issued special air quality statement remains in effect for the Shuswap, as the more than 41,000-hectare Bush Creek wildfire continues to burn out of control.
Although the statement has not been lifted in the area, as of 11 a.m., Environment Canada says conditions are expected to clear by the afternoon.
ORIGINAL
A special air quality statement remains in effect due to lingering smoke across the majority of the Okanagan.
Environment Canada announced at 3:25 a.m. on Thursday morning that the air quality statement would continue, despite blue skies and favourable weather conditions over the last few days in the Okanagan.
On Thursday, temperatures are expected to rise, with highs of 23 C in Kelowna, 25 C in Penticton, and 21 C in Salmon Arm. There is no precipitation in the forecast anywhere in the Okanagan. The day will start cloudy but the skies will clear as the day goes on.
Winds are expected to reach 20 km/h in the Penticton area, 30 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h in Kelowna, and there isn’t supposed to be any wind in Salmon Arm, according to Environment Canada.
“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke,” states Environment Canada.
READ MORE: North Shuswap on edge after alleged incident on Highway 1 amid wildfire
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jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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