Wildfire smoke triggers air quality advisory for Calgary
Poor air quality and reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke forecast to persist through Friday evening
Published Jul 13, 2023 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 1 minute read
Weather officials warned of air quality concerns Thursday as wildfire smoke cast a pall over the Calgary region Thursday morning once more.
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Calgary’s air quality health index, or AQHI, quickly reached 7 early Thursday morning, triggering an air quality statement from Environment Canada.
“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” the weather agency said in a statement issued early Thursday morning.
“Air quality and reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”
The AQHI forecast for Calgary was expected to remain at 7 for at least the next two days.
Poor air quality and reduced visiblity due to wildfire smoke was expected to persist through Friday, July 14, 2023. Screen capture/Environment CanadaMeanwhile, a forecast from the University of British Columbia showed concentrations of wildfire smoke from northern B.C. and Alberta flowing southward toward Edmonton and Calgary, with smoke persisting into Friday.
As of Thursday morning, special air quality statements due to wildfire smoke were in effect for almost all of Alberta, with the exception of some areas south of Calgary and a few regions along the Saskatchewan border.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” said Environment Canada in its air quality statement. “Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke.”
Those with heart disease and lung diseases, including asthma, are reminded to watch for health effects due to the smoke, the statement warned, as are older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors.
“Stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms,” the weather agency said.
The Calgary region has been subjected to multiple bouts of poor air quality since the spring, sparked by the start of an unusually intense wildfire season.
