The smoky skies are forecast to stick around for days, according to Environment Canada.

Yesterday, conditions were extremely smoky across the Lower Mainland, with the air quality index Valley, indicating a high health risk. The air quality rating was 7 as of 6 a.m. Thursday morning.

Children, the elderly and people with compromised health are being advised to take it easy and a by Environment Canada.

For everyone else, says the ministry, 鈥淐onsider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.鈥�

The poor air quality is being blamed on forest fires from B.C.鈥檚 interior, coupled with a change in wind direction.

The smoke is expected to stick around until the weather changes, and with .

A visual graphic by NASA suggests the smoke could remain problematic for up to five more days.

馃敟Wildfire smoke is expected to continue into the foreseeable future across the Pacific NW & British Columbia. Credit:

鈥� NWS Boise (@NWSBoise)