Air quality warning remains in place for Vernon and surrounding area
Published 7:46 am Wednesday, March 4, 2026
An air quality warning remains in place for Vernon and the surrounding area on Wednesday, Mar. 4.
“The Ministry of Environment and Parks in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority has issued an Air Quality Warning for Vernon due to elevated coarse particulate matter,” said Environment Canada, who re-issued the yellow warning at 3:40 a.m.
The area under the warning stretches west to Westwold, north past Enderby, east past Cherryville, and south into Lake Country.
“Exposure to coarse 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,” said both Environment Canada and the Government of B.C. “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.
The province first issued a warning on Mar. 3, which was followed by the first Environment Canada warning on Tuesday afternoon.
The dusty conditions are expected to persist until weather conditions change or local emissions reduce.