Air quality advisory in effect for parts of B.C.'s Lower Mainland

An air quality advisory is in effect for eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the central Fraser Valley amid a wave of extremely hot and sunny weather.

The federation that represents 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver says in a statement the advisory was prompted by high concentrations of ground-level ozone, which forms when pollutants from burning fossil fuels react with sunlight.

Environment Canada is warning of a heat wave of record-breaking temperatures lasting until at least Tuesday, with daytime highs in Metro Vancouver ranging from 29 to 38 C and the potential for the humidex to reach into the 40s.

The statement from Metro Vancouver says ground-level ozone is usually highest from mid-afternoon to early evening and suggests avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.