Wildfire smoke smothers Edmonton’s skies, extreme weather response activated
Posted August 15, 2024 12:14 pm.
Thick wildfire smoke blew into the Edmonton region early Wednesday morning and continues to smother city skies for the second straight day.
The City of Edmonton on Thursday activated an extreme weather response — effective immediately — to ensure the health and safety of all Edmontonians and is expected to last until 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, and maybe extended if poor air quality conditions persist.
On Thursday, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the city of Edmonton was at a 10+, or very high risk.
Officials say recreation centres and pools and will be open and distributing N95 masks.
Edmontonians are encouraged to reduce their exposure to smoke, and keep all windows and doors closed as much as possible.
