Upper Fraser, British Columbia, Canada Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

The Ministry of Environment and Parks in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority issued an Air Quality Warning for Prince George on January 18, 2026. The warning remains in effect due to elevated fine particulate matter.

Exposure to fine particulate matter is particularly a concern for infants, older adults, individuals with chronic conditions (such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and  diabetes) or respiratory infections, and those who are pregnant. Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections should postpone or reduce strenuous exercise until the warning is ended. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, should follow the advice of their health care provider. Staying indoors helps to reduce exposure.

Fine particulate matter concentrations have dipped slightly below the 24‑hour provincial objective, but air quality remains a concern as levels have been rising in recent hours. These conditions are expected to persist until the weather changes or local emissions decrease.

The next update will be on January 21, 2026.

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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.

For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.