The city of Calgary has been placed under an air quality advisory, as smoke from wildfires burning in neighbouring provinces drifts into the region. The advisory comes after several days already marked by rainfall and flood warnings, adding another layer of disruption to the start of the summer season.
According to the advisory, the deteriorating air quality is being driven by smoke from wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Environment Canada says the smoke is being pushed toward Calgary by the same weather system that had earlier brought heavy rain to the area.
Officials have cautioned that the undesirable conditions may worsen over the next few days. The combination of smoke and unsettled weather has created a difficult stretch for residents hoping to enjoy typical summer activities outdoors.
The situation has been particularly challenging for local businesses that cater to summer recreation, such as rafting and boating operators. Some have described a run of days dominated first by persistent rain and now by smoke, with high river levels adding to the difficulties.
For these operators, the weather is closely tied to their livelihoods. As one put it, good weather brings good business, while poor conditions, whether rain or smoke, keep customers away, underlining how sensitive the sector is to shifting summer conditions.
Environment Canada indicated that the smoke and the weather system driving it could continue to affect the area in the coming days. Residents have generally been advised to monitor conditions, with air quality advisories typically urging vulnerable groups in particular to take precautions when smoke levels rise.