Air quality plummets to dangerous levels on the Prairies Wednesday
Numerous major cities across Alberta and Saskatchewan have maxed out the Air Quality Health Index on Wednesday due to thick wildfire smoke.
Wildfires continue to rage across Western Canada, and the impacts are being seen and felt. Many folks likely woke up to hazy skies on Wednesday morning as dense smoke from nearby wildfires has fallen to the surface.
Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, and Regina are among the Prairie populations exposed to the dense smoke, which caused the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) level to max out at 10+.
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That prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to quickly issue widespread air quality warnings across Alberta and Saskatchewan early Wednesday morning.
"During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status," ECCC states in the warning. "Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events."
Stagnant air to blame, but relief is on the way
A mass of stagnant air has trapped the smoke from the blazing wildfires on the ground, with little airflow available to move it out of the region.
The smoke will linger throughout the rest of Wednesday and into Thursday, keeping the air quality at dangerous levels and reducing visibility.
SEE ALSO: Wildfire smoke can harm your brain, not just your lungs
Luckily, we'll see some rainfall help flush out some of the smoke from Alberta on Thursday, reaching Saskatchewan by the end of the week.
Multiple days of stormy weather are on tap for Alberta this week, bringing some welcome, heavy rain to northern parts of the province where the majority of the wildfires are burning.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across the Prairies.