Prince George’s special air quality statement is over and it appears the weather will be improving in the region as the week progresses.
A change in weather pattern has not only allowed Environment Canada to lift its alert just after noon today (Sept. 15) for the region, but B.C. air quality meteorologists to do the same.
According to its website, the province’s smoky skies bulletin is now only procured for the southern regions as a change in wind direction appears to be alleviating the potential for wildfire smoke to settle in the Prince George area.
B.C.’s air quality index currently has the northern capital at a low two-out-of-10 rating.
Prince George's air quality rating compared to other areas of B.C. on Sept. 15, 2020. (via BC Air Quality)While the city’s rating is expected to jump to five in the next 24 hours, Environment Canada says that’ll be because of local smoke instead of smoke from wildfires in Washington, Oregon and California, which continue to put the lower mainland at a ‘very high’ rating (10+).
The smoky skies bulletin lasted less than five days for Prince George, which was brought on after a high rating on Thursday morning (Sept. 10), but has dropped to a three-rating or lower since.
Prince George's air quality rating chart between Aug. 15, 2020 and Sept. 15, 2020. (via BC Air Quality)Environment Canada’s forecast for the rest of week shows sunny skies and a high of 21 C for Thursday and Friday (Sept. 17-18).
A mix of sun and clouds is expected for the weekend with a 40 per cent chance of showers.
Prince George's weather forecast from Sept. 15 to Sept. 21, 2020. (via Environment Canada)
