The air quality index in Edmonton continues to be at high risk Monday, with heavy wildfire smoke conditions persisting in the city.
Edmonton’s air quality was rated “eight” on Environment Canada’s index by early afternoon. It was expected to rise to “10+” – or very high risk – later in the day.
Alberta’s capital has been covered in wildfire smoke from across the province since last week. It’s prompted Environment Canada to issue an air quality advisory.
Alberta Health Services is advising people, especially the elderly and young children, to stay inside with windows and doors closed.
The city has been distributing N95 masks at recreation centres and pools as a result of the smoke. AHS advises masks may not be the best solution for everyone.
“Respirators have to be properly fitted,” Michael Zakhary, a medical officer with AHS, told CityNews. “And in some people it could restrict breathing. This can increase the risk. So people need to consult their physician or health-care provider before using respirators.”
The smoky air is combining with extreme heat, increasing the health risks for Edmontonians.
A heat warning continued to be in effect for many areas of Alberta Monday, including Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park. The daytime high was forecasted at 32 degrees Celsius.
“Overnight lows will remain warm, ranging from the mid-teens to low 20s, and will not provide much relief from the daytime heat,” Environment Canada wrote in its heat warning.
“Cooler temperatures are expected to start moving into northwestern parts of the province starting tonight.”
K-Days and other events in Edmonton are still operating normally, but extra measures have been put in place to ensure attendees are safe.
“The Expo Centre is climate controlled, it’s air conditioned, it’s got half a million square feet of space for people to come in and sit down to get out of the heat, and we’ve added additional seating in the Expo Centre,” said Jessie Radies, the director of K-Days.
–With files from Adam Ziccarelli