Calgary smoke forecast warns of poor air quality on Thursday, with ...
Smoky conditions are expected across Alberta, with the forecast being worse north of the city
Published Aug 15, 2024 • Last updated 20 minutes ago • 1 minute read
Wildfire smoke is expected to cause problems in the Calgary region Thursday.
Many parts of Alberta will experience poor air quality and reduced visibility due to smoke coming from wildfires, forecasters say.
The air quality health index for Calgary was measured at 5 to 6 (moderate risk) Thursday morning and was expected to reach 10 (high risk) through the day and into Friday, according to Environment Canada.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.or
Article content
Similar conditions are expected across southern Alberta, while areas in central and northern Alberta, including Edmonton and Red Deer, are to experience extremely poor air quality with AQHI values reaching 10+, forecasters say.
Thursday’s smoky conditions are related to blazes in northern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, according to modelling from firesmoke.ca.
Smoke forecast from firesmoke.ca for Aug. 15, 2024. Screen capture“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health,” Environment Canada said in an air quality advisory issued Thursday morning.
At-risk populations, including children, the elderly, those suffering from some chronic illnesses, people who work outside, and individuals taking part in outdoor exercise are encouraged to avoid exposure to smoke.
“Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough,” the weather office said. “If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”
Those who must remain outdoors are encouraged to protect themselves.
“When spending time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke,” Environment Canada said. “Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.”
More to come.
Article content
