If the light rain doesn't bother you, today might be a great day to get out and enjoy all Squamish has to offer outside.
As of Saturday morning, the Environment Canada Air Quality Health Index is at 1, or low risk.
Squamish has seen decreased air quality for the past week, with the index often hovering at a 10 plus — meaning a very high risk — since last Sunday.
A provincial government smoky skies bulletin that has been in place for the Howe Sound region for more than a week, due to the amount of particulate in the air from numerous wildfires burning in B.C, was lifted Saturday.
Other parts of the province, of course, are still experiencing very poor air quality. As of Saturday morning, Castlegar, Kamloops, Quesnel and Prince George, for example, are all at 10 plus on the Environment Canada Air Quality Health Index.
Currently, approximately 560 active wildfires are blazing across the province, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The province remains under a state of emergency due to the many wildfires.
The air quality in Squamish is expected stay low as Saturday progresses, rising only to a 2 later in the day.
Here's what today's low-risk rating in Squamish means for you:
At-Risk Population:
- Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
- Find out if you are at risk
General Population
Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
*For general information about wildfire smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC:Phone 8-1-1 (toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or check the Wildfires and Your Health webpage at www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/wildfires.
*The current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and other air quality information is available at the BC Air Quality website, www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/aqhi-table.xml.
*Forecasts of smoke levels over the next 48 hours are available from the Environment and Climate Change Canada FireWork prediction system, weather.gc.ca/firework/index_e.html.
Here's what to expect this weekend.
