Hazy Okanagan

That haze over the Okanagan the last couple of days isn't your imagination.

David Jones with Environment Canada says it's due to several fires burning in Northern California combined with the current heat wave.

Jones says, consistent temperatures over 30 degrees help cook the exhaust from tailpipes which then increases ground level ozone.

He says the haze is moving onto the Prairies and the cooler weather in the next couple of days will help clear the air.

Okanagan Valley air quality is expected to decline to a moderate health risk in the coming days.

Senior Medical Officer Dr. Paul Hassleback says, it takes a few days of ozone -baking weather before the effects are felt in air quality.

He says, when there's higher temperatures it's people that contribute to the poor air quality, because vehicle exhaust isn't able to go anywhere in the stagnant air.

Starlee Speers Astral Media Radio (Vernon)