While air quality has continued to improve through the day, the Ministry of Environment said Friday afternoon it is continuing the smoke advisory for Williams Lake and surrounding areas because of forest fire smoke affecting the region.
Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change, the ministry stated in a notice while encouraging people to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
"If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways,"
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
Although weather forecasts indicate that relief from forest fire smoke may come in the coming days, there is still the possibility of periods of smoke over the next 24 hours, the ministry noted.
It has been raining off and on in Williams Lake all day and rain is in the forecast for Saturday as well.