For a brief period on Friday, light rain showers over Calgary seemed to help reduce the air quality health index levels.
Environment Canada dropped its AQHI advisory at about 3:30 p.m. Friday but re-issued the warning early Saturday, at 4:42 a.m.
Along with Calgary and Lethbridge, areas in western Alberta remained part of the air quality statement on Saturday. Shortly after 3:30 p.m., the air quality statement was expanded to include Edmonton and areas surrounding the capital city.
By Sunday afternoon, the statement had been dropped for Edmonton and areas around the city, but it remained in place for much of southern Alberta.
Calgary’s air quality advisory was dropped after 5:30 p.m.
Although the smoke over the city wasn’t too bad on Saturday morning, it got worse by mid-afternoon.
In a special air quality statement, Environment Canada wrote: “Thick smoke persists in the southwestern corner of Alberta this (Saturday) morning. As a westerly flow develops across the province, smoke will spread eastward from British Columbia wildfires.
“Smoke is expected as far north as the Peace country down to the Lethbridge region and including the city of Calgary by this afternoon. Reduced visibilities and high AQHI values indicating poor air quality will accompany the smoke,” the statement continued.
Most areas will see the smoke situation improve through the weekend, as AQHI readings are expected to drop to moderate and low levels.
Meanwhile, Calgary’s temperature will remain below seasonal.
Sunday’s forecast called for a greater chance of heavier rain, possible thunderstorms and a high of only 16 C.