Highest possible air quality risk rating issued for Victoria and Saanich

Smoke from several wildfires in Washington State has drifted northwest to blanket the tip of Vancouver Island, prompting the highest possible air quality risk rating over Victoria and Saanich.

Environment Canada's air quality index gives the two cities a ``10-plus'' risk rating, while Westshore ranks at ``10'', meaning strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided and children and the elderly should stay inside.

Conditions will improve tomorrow, but smoke from a large wildfire in southeastern BC remains a concern and the weather office predicts conditions in Cranbrook and Castlegar will remain ``high risk'' through Thursday.

Forecasters have also issued special weather statements for much of southern BC and inland north and central coast, as a heat wave is due to push temperatures five to 10 degrees above normal for the next two days.