Environment Canada and the Government of British Columbia have issued a special air quality statement for Kamloops as well as the Southern and Central Interior.

Meteorologist Carmen Hartt says it is as smoke from massive wildfires burning in the western United States may drift into the area this weekend.

“The very southern part of B.C., places closest to that international border with Washington State are already under a lot of smoke today. And that smoke is expected to spread northward throughout the weekend, and should reach Kamloops on Sunday,” she said. “But even ahead of that, you might start to see some haze in the sky.”

“The closer you are to the fires, its going to be worse. Everywhere in the southern half of B.C., but its also moving into Alberta as well. At this time, because the smoke is so thick, its not just a concern for what we call the vulnerable population, its actually a concern for everybody.”

With temperatures in the low-teens overnight, temperature inversions in mountain valleys may increase the likelihood that smoke is trapped near the ground.

“Those clear skies, it just gives an opportunity for that smoke to really move in. Warm temperatures and smoke can have the same type of impacts on human health because it can aggravate the respiratory system,” Hartt added.

“If you can get out and enjoy the sun and the warmth before it gets too smoky, then I certainly would recommend that this weekend.”

If things get smoky, people are being reminded to taken precautions to reduce the amount of smoke you are exposed to.

“Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many chemicals that can harm your health,” said Hartt.

For more information on reducing the health risk caused by smoky conditions, go to airhealth.ca.