Vermilion is facing a messy start to the week with showers, a chance of thunderstorms, and widespread smoke from wildfires before skies clear and temperatures soar, according to Environment Canada.
The forecast calls for a few showers ending near noon Monday, with a risk of a thunderstorm in the morning. Widespread smoke is expected to hang around through Tuesday, pushed into the area by wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
The week will then turn much warmer. Highs are set to climb from 24 C on Monday to a blistering 31 C by Thursday under mainly sunny skies, well above the late July normal of 24 C.
The smoke is part of a bigger air quality problem across Alberta. Many places are already seeing Very High Risk readings on the air quality health index, including Fort McMurray and Fort McKay. High Risk conditions are forecast to spread into the Edmonton area Monday night into Tuesday.
Alberta Health Services says residents should take steps to protect themselves when air quality is poor: close windows, skip wood-burning appliances, use HEPA filters, and cut back on outdoor exercise. Anyone with mild symptoms like coughing or throat irritation can call Health Link at 811, but those experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or other emergency symptoms should call 911.
Health experts also caution that breathing wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause headaches, and in serious cases lead to heart attacks, strokes, or early death. There is no known safe level of exposure.
