Colwood could see smoky conditions develop today as wildfire smoke from British Columbia’s Interior drifts toward southern Vancouver Island. While no air quality advisory is in effect, The Weather Network forecasts smoky skies from around 11 a.m. onward, with temperatures reaching a high of 26°C.
The Victoria/Saanich Air Quality Health Index sat at Level 1, or low risk, as of 9 a.m. Monday. Environment Canada has not issued an air quality advisory for Vancouver Island, though warnings are in place for several Interior regions.
British Columbia remains under a province-wide state of emergency declared on August 8, 2026. The BC Wildfire Service reports 129 active wildfires, including 35 new starts in the past 24 hours. The Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton has burned about 159,300 hectares, part of the 429,400 hectares scorched this season.
Environment Canada’s FireWork smoke forecast shows smoke drifting over Greater Victoria beginning around 11 a.m. Monday and lingering into early Tuesday, with hazy skies possible. A shifting heat dome is bringing hot, dry conditions to the Interior this week, which may worsen fire activity and affect air quality.
Health officials recommend reducing strenuous outdoor activity if smoke becomes noticeable, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions. Residents should monitor air quality statements from Environment Canada as conditions can change quickly.
