You’ve likely noticed a lot of smoke up in the sky lately, shrouding the sun in an orange cloudy haze.

More of that smoke and haze are expected to make their way towards Airdrie today.

Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for the Rockies and parts of the Foothills. The weather service adds those advisories could be expanded depending on how the smoke settles over southern Alberta.

The smoke is coming from fires burning in Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia continues to enter southwestern Alberta, resulting in poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas. While the smokey conditions may intensify today, Environment Canada said it isn’t expected to last and will likely clear out again tonight, but will stick around in the upper levels of the sky.

“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” said Environment Canada in its special air quality statement. “Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.”

Environment Canada said the advisories could be expanded to the east today (Monday).

Some of the areas currently under that air quality statement include:

  • M.D. of Bighorn near Ghost River Wilderness
  • M.D. of Bighorn near Canmore Exshaw and Ghost Lake
  • Kananaskis Improvement District near Highwood House
  • Kananaskis Improvement District near Kananaskis Village
  • Banff Nat. Park near Banff
  • Banff Nat. Park near Lake Louise
  • Banff Nat. Park near Saskatchewan River Crossing
  • Clearwater Co. near Siffleur Wilderness Area

 

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