Air quality warnings issued for Edmonton, much of northern Alberta

Wildfire smoke instigated Environment Canada to issue air quality warnings for a large swath of northern Alberta, as well as the Edmonton region.

“Smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” reads the warning for Edmonton issued at 2:35 p.m. MT Sunday.

Smoky conditions were already present in Edmonton on Sunday and are expected to last through the night, peaking with an Air Quality Health Index rating of 10+ — very high risk. 

Environment Canada reminds people in the regions affected by smoke to limit their time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed. The agency suggests reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities, particularly for children and seniors.

People aged 65 or older, infants and those with chronic health conditions are likely to be more affected by the wildfire smoke, but it poses a risk to everyone, the warning says.

The warnings come as much of the province is still under a heat warning.

In its smoke warning, Environment Canada says people need to prioritize keeping cool when an extreme heat event occurs with poor air quality.

Wildfire smoke raising air quality, health concerns for Canadians