Edmonton is currently experiencing its third-worst summer on record for smoky air quality, as wildfires continue to blanket the city with smoke from various fires across the region. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the city recorded 136 hours of smoke obscuring visibility as of Thursday.
This summer's smoke levels are significantly affecting the health of residents. The air quality has been classified as 'very high risk' for several days, indicating serious health issues.
Recent visitors, like Zoë Comeau, are feeling the impact of the smoke more than ever. "It's hard. It's rough to breathe," she said, noting how even indoor environments are not free from the fading visibility and smoky smell.
Last year set the record for the most smoke hours, with Edmonton recording 299 hours. Experts expect this figure to rise, especially with August and September still left in the wildfire season.
The smoke has not only made outdoor activities less enjoyable but often forces locals to reconsider their plans. For many families, hiking and other activities have been postponed or canceled due to the adverse air quality.
The thick haze is attributed to bad weather patterns, which have kept the smoke trapped close to the surface. A recent weather forecast indicated light winds, which means the smoke is stuck, leading to poor air quality throughout the Edmonton area.
Environmental meteorologist Justin Shelley mentioned, "Smoke forecasting is tricky," indicating unpredictability with changes causing significant variations. "We're not seeing any big shifts; conditions are likely to persist through the weekend," he added.
Despite the chance of rain or thunderstorms, improvements to air quality may be limited. Edmonton's forecast points to continued smokiness with only modest precipitation expected.
Residents have taken measures to cope with the smoky conditions. Some, like Ruth Lu, are contemplating wearing masks during outdoor excursions, as heavy smoke has become increasingly common each summer.
Moving forward, the city is under advisories, and officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The ECCC has warned specific groups—seniors, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions—to limit their outdoor activity.
Wildfires not only affect local residents but have broader effects across Canada. Widespread advisories issued early Thursday have warned of very poor air quality, with air quality fluctuated due to weather conditions.
The situation is exacerbated by wind patterns pushing smoke across the prairie provinces. Winds from the northwest are responsible for carrying smoke from central Saskatchewan fires, causing concerns even for communities far from the direct blaze.
Despite high smoke concentrations affecting visibility and respiratory well-being, some residents are moving forward, taking careful steps to stay safe. Ellie Simonot shared her experiences of needing to reschedule plans with friends regularly due to the smoky conditions.
The air quality across much of Alberta remains sharply below the ideal standard. Residents of urban areas have been warned to stay aware and take necessary precautions for their respiratory health.
Weather forecasts suggest some possibility of relief early next week, but current models indicate continued smoke lingering over the city. Local outdoor enthusiasts and families are hoping for significant weather change to improve air conditions.
Even with smoky skies, communities are showing resilience. Many people have opted to adapt by exploring indoor activities or simply enjoying family time at home until the air clears up.
Officials remind everyone to stay informed about air quality updates and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak smoke hours. It is critical for at-risk populations to heed these warnings as summer progresses.
Overall, it's shaping up to be one of the smokiest summers on record for Edmonton. The challenges and impacts of wildfires are coming home to roost for residents and visitors alike.
