People in the Grande Prairie area should watch for symptoms of elevated ground-level ozone concentrations. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Grande Prairie – Beaverlodge – Valleyview region, saying warm temperatures are causing elevated levels of ground-level ozone.
The levels are expected to decrease overnight. In the meantime, people may experience 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,” Environment Canada says.
As of 5:30 p.m., the Air Quality Health Index for Grande Prairie is listed as 7 or high risk.