One weather warning is likely enough for most people but now we have an additional one to deal with for the same areas that a heat warning went into effect earlier this morning, and that area includes Airdrie. 

Environment Canada has added a special air quality statement that affects these regions, just as the heat warning does:

  • Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield
  • Rocky View County near Cochrane
  • Rocky View County near Bottrel and Madden
  • Mountain View County near Carstairs and Stirlingville
  • Mountain View County near Cremona and Water Valley
  • Mountain View County near Olds and Didsbury\
  • and Mountain View County near Sundre

Wildfire smoke will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility at times today.  Environment Canada says air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) scale is currently at a level 4 which is a moderate risk.  It's expected to rise to a 5 later tonight befroe slipping back into the low risk range at a 3 tomorrow.  

You may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath and children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Environment Canada put a heat warning in place for the same areas earlier this morning.  Daytime highs are expected to reach 34 today and 32 on Sunday.  Overnight lows will be much closer to warning criteria than expected earlier.  Tonight's low should be 13 and tomorrow it will get down to 14 degrees.    

To protect yourself and your family from the heat you should consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, take frequent breaks from the heat, drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated, and check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle to make sure you don't leave them inside.

You should also pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers and those who are socially isolated.

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