It’s evident once you step outside. Smoke and heat is once again settling into the region, including the Elk Valley, which has received a smoky skies bulletin from Environment Canada.

Additionally, the South Country and Columbia Valley are under a special weather statement warning about extreme heat until about Thursday.

Daytime temperatures are expected to climb within the range of 35 to 39 degrees Celsius, accompanied by overnight lows in the mid-teens in East Kootenay and West Kootenay as well as Nicola, Similkameen, Shuswap, Arrow Lakes and Slocan Lake.

The Elk Valley and South Country are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours. Wildfires in the Columbia Valley will also impact air quality there.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations, Environment Canada pointed out.

Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. 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.

Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.

Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.

The smoke and heat alert does not include Kootenay National Park, with a daytime high of 28C expected.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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