Calgary under air quality advisory as wildfire smoke expected to linger

Calgary is under an air quality advisory after wildfire smoke moved into the city Monday afternoon.

Environment Canada says the smoke is expected to remain over much of Alberta for the next couple of days. The same low-pressure system that brought heavy rainfall to southern Alberta is now pushing wildfire smoke south from northern Saskatchewan into the region.

Meteorologist Kevin Stanfield says air quality in some northwest Calgary neighbourhoods has exceeded 100 parts per million, equivalent to an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reading of 10+. Calgary's overall AQHI currently sits at 6, representing a moderate health risk, but forecasters expect conditions to deteriorate further Monday night and into Tuesday.

The air quality advisory extends across a large portion of the province, covering areas west of Calgary and north through Edmonton to Fort McMurray.

Environment Canada advises people with respiratory conditions, seniors, children and others who are sensitive to poor air quality to limit or reconsider outdoor activities until the smoke clears. Residents are also encouraged to keep windows and doors closed when possible and monitor local air quality updates.