Dawson Creek, British Columbia is waking up to smoky skies and a good chance of rain this week as wildfire smoke from across the province drifts into the region. Environment Canada recorded a temperature of 25.4°C at the Dawson Creek Airport on Wednesday afternoon, well above the normal high of 21°C for early August.
Conditions are expected to shift later tonight with clouds rolling in and showers developing. About 5 to 10 millimetres of rain is possible, along with hazy conditions lasting into the overnight hours. Winds from the north could gust up to 50 km/h before easing off, and the temperature is forecast to drop to a low of 9°C.
The smoke is coming from active wildfires in British Columbia. The BC Wildfire Service reports that drought codes are higher than normal in the Peace Region, and as of August 4, there were 117 active fires across the province. An air quality warning remains in place for the South Peace River region, which includes Dawson Creek.
Health Canada warns that fine particles in wildfire smoke, known as PM2.5, can be harmful even when the smoke is not visible. Those most at risk include people over 65, children, pregnant women, and anyone with heart or lung conditions.
Looking ahead, the unsettled weather continues into the weekend and early next week. Highs will cool to around 18 to 20°C, and there is a 60 percent chance of showers Sunday through Tuesday. For now, no formal weather alerts are in effect, but residents should keep an eye on the sky and take care if they are sensitive to smoky air.
