Surrey, British Columbia, Canada Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

(August, 24, 2025) Metro Vancouver Regional District has issued an Air Quality Warning in eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and Central and Eastern Fraser Valley due to elevated ground-level ozone (smog) and in Eastern Fraser Valley due to fine particulate matter (small particles in the air that may impact health).

The ozone (smog) warning is expected to last at least until tomorrow. The fine particular matter warning is expected to last today and tomorrow or until smoke conditions improve. The warnings will remain in effect until further notice.

Cause: Hot and sunny weather in combination with local emissions has resulted in elevated levels of ground-level ozone. Smoke from the Sailor Bar wildfire burning north of Yale in the Fraser Canyon has resulted in elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the Eastern Fraser Valley.

Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour changes.

Air Quality Warning in effect for:

-	Metro Vancouver – Northeast (smog)
-	Metro Vancouver – Southeast (smog)
-	Central Fraser Valley (smog)
-	Eastern Fraser Valley (fine particulate matter and smog)

Important information:

-	Outdoor Activities: Consider postponing or limiting outdoor activities, especially for people at risk, including those with lung and heart conditions or diabetes, pregnant people, infants, children, and older adults. Take it easy and take frequent breaks if outdoor activities cannot be avoided.

-	Find Cleaner Air: Use a portable HEPA air cleaner in one or more rooms at home. Keep windows and doors closed but ensure the space does not get too hot. If your home is too smoky or hot, spend time in community spaces that have air conditioning since they also tend to have better air quality. These can include community centres, libraries, and shopping malls.

-	Heat Safety: Heat and air pollution can happen together. Heat is a bigger health concern for most people. Stay cool, drink plenty of water and spend time in spaces with air conditioning. Check with your municipality to see if cooling centres are available near you.

-	Monitor Your Symptoms: Seek medical care for symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness. Check on family, friends, and neighbours often, and call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

-	Check Air Quality Regularly: Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) rating nearest you at airmap.ca or gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap. Use the current health messages accompanying the rating to make decisions about your outdoor activities. Air quality can change throughout the day and by location so check the AQHI often. Sign up for Air Quality Warnings alerts and updates at metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/mailing-list.

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When air pollution levels are high, everyone should limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

For more information on current air quality, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.