The City of Edmonton has lifted its extreme weather response for poor air quality as wildfire smoke conditions improve, but is extending its extreme heat response through the weekend.
The poor air quality response ended Thursday at 9 a.m. after being in effect since Monday, when wildfire smoke pushed the Air Quality Health Index to high-risk levels.
The city’s extreme heat response, meanwhile, has been extended until Sunday at 9 a.m., based on the latest weather forecasts.
During the heat response, residents can cool off at city facilities, including libraries, pools and recreation centres. The city is also providing 24-hour access to 29 water stations attached to fire hydrants, while peace officers will continue carrying bottled water to distribute to vulnerable people.
Bottled water and N95 masks remain available at city facilities throughout the summer.
The city activates its poor air quality response when the Air Quality Health Index is forecast to reach seven or higher for at least two consecutive days, while its heat response is triggered when daytime temperatures of 29 C or higher are expected for at least three straight days.
Officials encourage anyone concerned about someone struggling in the heat or smoke to call 211 and press 3 for the Crisis Diversion team, or 911 in an emergency.
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