Air quality warnings for Metro Vancouver and the central Fraser Valley have been lifted as winds bring cleaner air into the region, but a warning is still in effect for the eastern Fraser Valley.

The rescinded warnings had been in effect since Wednesday. 

In the eastern Fraser Valley where the warning persists, wind has brought smoke from wildfires east of Hope and the Cariboo region, according to a statement from the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

The warning is expected to last until at least Sunday, when the weather is expected to change.

Use caution outside: expert

Residents are advised to be mindful when going outside during an air quality warning.

When exposed to wildfire smoke, common symptoms can be a mild cough or sore throat, according to Angela Yao, senior scientist at the Environmental Health Services at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

Yao said most of the symptoms are temporary.

“It will go away when the smoke goes away,” she said, but added the symptoms can be more serious for people with certain chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease.

She recommended reducing exposure to low-quality air.

“Take it easy, and limit the time and how intense the activity is when you go outside,” she said. “Because the harder you breathe the more smoke you inhale.”

Metro Vancouver also recommends drinking plenty of water and considering wearing a well-fitted mask.