An air quality warning was issued for Calgary Thursday afternoon. At 3:16 p.m., Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) posted a yellow warning, advising that smoke “is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.” The Air Quality Health Index level was at 9 Thursday at 5 p.m. According to the index, it was predicted to remain at 8 or 7 -- high risk -- throughout Thursday night and all day Friday. ECCC said “conditions are expected to improve for most areas by Friday.” Thursday’s forecast calls for a 30 per cent of showers with a chance of a thunderstorm and widespread smoke. ECCC also posted a heat warning for the city, with temperatures forecast to reach 32 degrees Friday. The Calgary Folk Music Festival kicked off Thursday. On its website, the festival has a guide to wildfire smoke.
