‘Near zero visibility’ fog advisory in place through Tuesday in southwest B.C.

Parts of Metro Vancouver and inland Vancouver Island will experience “near zero visibility” fog at times over the next few days.

An Environment Canada fog advisory has been in place since Saturday. The fog is expected to persist until Tuesday afternoon.

It says a ridge of high pressure over the province is trapping moisture and creating areas of dense fog, particularly in the Port Alberni area as well as in Richmond, Delta, White Rock, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge.

Environment Canada says visibility may improve in the afternoons, but the is fog expected to return each night.

It warns visibility may be reduced suddenly, and drivers should take precautions including turning on their lights, slowing down, and maintaining a safe following distance from other cars.

The sound of fog horns from ships could be heard late into the night in some parts of Metro Vancouver on Saturday after the fog set in.

Visibility at airport

Vancouver International Airport says despite the sunshine at higher elevations, low or reduced visibility in Metro Vancouver conditions can have an impact on flights.

YVR says low visibility operations (LVOP) are triggered when visibility drops to below 1,320 feet or the equivalent of about four Vancouver city blocks.

In rare cases, when visibility drops below 600 feet, takeoffs and landings may be temporarily paused until conditions improve.

Passengers are being encouraged to check their flight status with their airline or on YVR’s website before heading to the airport.