Heavy smoke blankets Medicine Hat on Sunday. A special air quality statement has been issued (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Special Air Quality Statement issued for Medicine Hat

Jul 18, 2021 | 7:24 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– Smokey skies from the wildfires burning in B.C. has prompted a special air quality statement from Environment Canada.

The special air quality statement is in effect for the following areas:

• City of Medicine Hat
• Co. of Forty Mile near Bow Island and Whitla
• Co. of Newell near Patricia
• Co. of Newell near Tilley and Rolling Hills
• Cypress Co. near Bowell and Redcliff
• Cypress Co. near Bowmanton Schuler and Hilda
• Cypress Co. near CFB Suffield
• Cypress Co. near Dunmore and Woolchester
• Cypress Co. near Irvine and Walsh
• Cypress Co. near McNeill and Sandy Point District Park
• Cypress Co. near Seven Persons
• Cypress Co. near Suffield and Hwy 879
• Cypress Co. near Tide Lake
• S.A. 2 near Bindloss Empress and Social Plains
• S.A. 2 near Buffalo and Cavendish
• S.A. 2 near Iddesleigh and Dinosaur Prov. Park
• S.A. 2 near Jenner and Atlee

Air quality indexes are reported as high in many parts of Alberta this morning. The national weather agency says in Southern Alberta the air quality index is projected to be moderate by Monday as Southeasterly winds move through.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

12h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

For more information, Environment Canada says to check out airhealth.ca

A heat warning is also in effect for the region. Temperatures are expected to reach between 32 to 37 degrees .