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Air quality warning persit as smoke from B.C. fires spreads

Environment Canada issued a airquality issue for the area early Monday morning
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The area is once again under an air quality warning, issued by Environment Canada earlier this morning.

Smoke from the wildfires throughout British Columbia have pushed over mountains and settled over much of Alberta.

The warning is in place for much of the central and eastern parts of the province.

Air quality issues have been in place over the weekend causing a hazy, almost foggy look to the area.

In some places the smoke is thick enough to cause visibility concerns.

Early this morning, around 5 a.m., Environment Canada had the air quality index for the Red Deer area at a 7, which is considered to be high.

By 9 a.m. the index went down to 4, which is a moderate risk.

The risk is further reduced throughout the day, with the index expected to fall to about a 2 on the scale by Monday evening and overnight.

The smoke is expected to clear out as a cold front moves into the area.

Environment Canada warns the smoke may cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

The warning will be in place until later in the afternoon. Environment Canada expects the smoke to clear out around 4 p.m. Monday afternoon.

The smoke caused minor disturbances in the area, including the rescheduling of Sylvan Lake’s Movie in the Park Sunday evening. Surfs: The Lost Village will still be showed at a later date, with the it planned to show on Aug. 27.

Environment Canada suggests being prepared and checking the forecast before making plans for the day.

“Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care,” Environment Canada said in a statement.

Monday’s forecast is rainy with a high of only 19 C and an overnight low of 5 C.

Later in the week the weather is expected to improve, with much of the week sitting around the 22 C mark.