Environment Canada says wildfire smoke in the B.C. Interior is expected to worsen in the coming days bringing with it poor air quality and associated health risks.

In a special air quality statement, Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment said several Interior communities are likely to experience worsening wildfire smoke conditions over the next 24 to 48 hours.

As of publishing, the Kamloops Air Quality Index was at 10+, the highest the readings can go. On the international scale, Kamloops is currently rated at 205. Both of those readings have been gradually increasing with each passing hour.

“Smoke is widespread through northeastern B.C., central B.C. and extending into southern regions,” the statement said. “Haze and smoke conditions will be variable within these regions. For Okanagan zones, smoke impacts may be higher at higher elevation; local showers may also alleviate smoke conditions.”

The statement says wildfire smoke is hazardous to health even at low concentrations, and urges at-risk populations such as children, the elderly, and people with lung conditions or heart disease to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Those that have to spend time outdoors are being encouraged to wear a well-fitted respirator, and to reduce or stop activities if symptoms develop.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued its own air quality advisory on May 15, but ended it Tuesday saying cooler temperatures and favourable winds improved conditions in the region’s northeast and in the Fraser Valley.

– With files from The Canadian Press