EDMONTON — Day has turned to night in Edmonton and many parts of Alberta as smoke from forest fires in British Columbia continues to roll into the province.
Visibility in the capital region Wednesday morning was very limited as the sky turned a dark and dirty brown colour overnight from smoke and particulate matter.
Street lights had not clicked off as of 8 a.m., drivers used their headlights on the way to work, and the smell of smoke hung heavy in the air.
Similar conditions prevailed in Calgary, where even trying to make out the city's skyline from any distance proved difficult.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for much of the Prairies, saying the air quality is poor and that conditions are not expected to change for the rest of the week.
The agency also says people may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath, noting that children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease are especially at risk. (The Canadian Press, CHQR)