Expected hot, dry summer means more fire, smoke coming to Alberta
As the definition of a typical Canadian summer evolves, experts say "hot" and "dry" could be the buzzwords of the season.
That means Albertans should expect even more flames and smoke this year, even after a record-setting start to the wildfire season.
Meteorologists advise prepping for more extreme events and warnings.
"We're anticipating a very active wildfire year to at least continue," Environment and Climate Change Canada's Sara Hoffman said.
"The long-range forecast we have for summer will be conducive to the creation of that wildfire smoke."
Where that smoke ends up is hard to specifically track, but more days with an air quality index above 10 wouldn't surprise Hoffman.
"For folks in Canada -- especially in Alberta -- we should be prepared for a few very poor air quality days," she said.
"It's very reasonable to be concerned. And I would encourage everyone to take it seriously. Even folks without pre-existing health conditions can experience some negative health side effects from air quality that poor."
Calgary is under a new heat warning as of Tuesday afternoon -- one that's expected to last at least a few days.
While fire crews are always urging residents to be careful while smoking or starting recreational blazes, the main culprit is something a lot larger.
"With our changing climate, more active, longer wildfire seasons are expected," Hoffman said.
"That's just something that will come with climate change."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Alice Munro, Nobel literature winner revered as short story master, dead at 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant who became one of the world's most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history's most honoured short story writers, has died at age 92.
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Attack on prison van in France kills 2 officers, inmate escapes
Armed assailants killed two French prison officers and seriously wounded three others in an attack on a convoy in Normandy on Tuesday and an inmate escaped, officials said.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence for 10 years under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region
A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Manitoba premier to visit areas impacted by wildfire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will get a close-up look at the devastation from a large wildfire burning in northern Manitoba Tuesday.
Significant police presence as Israeli flag flies at Ottawa City Hall
The Israeli flag is flying at Ottawa City Hall today to mark the country's national day, with plans to hold a private ceremony to mark Israel's Independence Day. There is a significant police presence at City Hall, including security barriers outside the main doors.