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March 22, 2019 - 4:00 PM
Environment Canada has added Kelowna to the long list of cities in the province currently under a dust advisory.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, issued a dust advisory for Kelowna today, March 22, and continued a dust advisory for Vernon announced back on March 18.
The dust advisories are due to a high concentration of coarse particulates in the air which are expected to stay until there is a change in the weather. Grit placed on roads over the winter is one factor that adds to the poor air quality, the ministry says.
There are currently 10 B.C. cities under a dust advisory, as of this afternoon.
Crews in Vernon have begun sweeping the streets which will continue over the next few weeks with the aim of reducing the poor air quality.
In Kelowna, the City says the colder than normal temperatures and late season snow has delayed road sweeping and a full road sweep is expected to begin April 1. Sweeping is underway on sidewalks and bike lanes.
The ministry is advising those with chronic underlying medical conditions should avoid strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors in air-conditioned places will help to reduce particulate exposure. The biggest concern is for infants the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
For the latest on the dust advisories go to the Environment Canada website here.
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