Today’s Forecast: A Sunny Start with a Chance of Evening Showers
Calgary will enjoy some sunshine today with temperatures reaching 25°C, but the weather is expected to take a turn later in the day. The afternoon will bring a mix of sun and cloud, with a 30% chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms in the evening. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a mild 12°C, with hazy conditions expected to continue overnight due to local smoke.
The Weather Desk advises an Air Quality Alert is in effect. Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include seniors, pregnant women and pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition.
Those who are more likely to be impacted should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors or seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, consider reducing or stopping strenuous outdoor activities. Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. Limit time outdoors. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Always seek out and follow health guidance from local authorities.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.
Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles. When spending time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke. Take care of your mental health. Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke. For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.
Looking Ahead: Cooler with Showers on the Horizon
Friday brings a cooler day with a high of 19°C and a 60% chance of showers, which could persist into the night. The weekend will start with more sunshine on Saturday, reaching 22°C, but cloudy periods and the chance of showers return by Sunday evening. The weather next week looks mild and typical for Calgary in August, with highs in the mid-20s and occasional chances of rain.
Historical Weather Insights
On this day, Calgary has seen extremes in the past. The highest temperature recorded was a scorching 35.0°C back in 1922, while the coolest was 2.0°C in 2002. The most rainfall on this day was 42.7 mm in 1924, making it a historically variable day weather-wise.
Wardrobe Suggestions
Given the varying conditions today, layers are a good idea. Start with light, breathable clothing for the sunny morning, but be sure to have an umbrella or light jacket handy for those potential evening showers.
Weather Trivia
Calgary’s weather is known for its unpredictability, especially in the summer. The city can swing from sunny and hot to chilly and wet in just a matter of hours, so it’s always best to be prepared for anything!
