The air quality in the Grande Prairie area is expected to be poor tomorrow as more smoke from the forest fires in B.C. is expected to drift our way. While the health risk in the city is currently low, Alberta Environment expects the Air Quality Health Index to rise to 5 or moderate tonight, and 8 or high tomorrow.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Grande Prairie – Beaverlodge – Valleyview region, along with the MD of Greenview. Although a cold front has flushed a lot of the smoke out of Alberta, it’s expected to again cross the Rockies tonight and Wednesday.
Parts of Central Alberta are likely to reach 10 on the AQHI, and it looks like the worst hit area will be between Hinton, Red Deer and Edmonton. Residents are encouraged to check their local weather forecasts to know when to be extra careful.
People could experience coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease like asthma are especially at risk.
If you’re suffering, stay inside in a place that’s cool and ventilated, and don’t open your windows. If your home isn’t air conditioned, consider going somewhere public that is. Masks generally don’t help with smoky conditions, and could give people wearing them a false sense of security.
A precautionary air quality advisory from Alberta Health Services remains in effect for northern Alberta.