Eerie skies over Calgary as the air quality deteriorates

CALGARY – A special air quality statement is in effect for Calgary as the smoke continues to hover over the city.

Environment Canada issued the advisory, warning people may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

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The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is at a nine out of 10 for Monday.

“Air quality this morning is in the high danger to extreme danger rating range (on the AQHI), that will last into the afternoon,” meteorologist Michael Kuss explained.

“Smoke is as bad as it’s been all summer today. Fortunately, it’s just today, we’re back into a fresher air quality pattern starting this evening.”

Until then, don't do anything too strenuous outside. Also watch that your pets, especially dogs going outside, aren't overexerting themselves. Some health experts suggest the wildfire smoke is more toxic to your health than other forms of air pollution. #yyc #Calgary #Alberta pic.twitter.com/0iq88oCzJm

— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) August 16, 2021

There’s a 30 per cent chance of showers with a risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon and evening.

Environment Canada expects 15 to 25mm of precipitation this evening and overnight.

“We are going to see it change late day today as those winds pick up out of the North, and draw in not only some fresher air in that direction but some precipitation along that front,” said Kuss.

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“We’ll see showers and rain late day today and that’s going to clear the atmosphere out as well.”

Some health experts say the wildfire smoke is more toxic to your health than other forms of air pollution.

You’re told not to overexert yourself outside and make sure your dogs don’t do so either.