Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the Rocky Mountain House-Caroline area and a Rainfall Warning for the Nordegg-Forestry Trunk Road Highway 734 area.

Area affected by the Special Air Quality Statement include:

• Brazeau Co. near Brazeau Dam
• Brazeau Co. near Cynthia and Lodgepole
• Clearwater Co. near Caroline and James River Bridge
• Clearwater Co. near Rocky Mountain House and Crimson Lake
• O’Chiese Reserve and Clearwater Co. near Sunchild Cree Reserve
• Yellowhead Co. near Minnow, Wolf Lakes, and Elk River

Areas affected by the Rainfall Warning include:

• Clearwater Co. near Chungo Creek
• Yellowhead Co. near Cadomin and Robb

ECCC says heavy rain with total amounts of 50 to 75 mm is expected. Widespread heavy rain will continue until the middle of the week. Total rainfall amounts of 50 to 75 mm are expected by Wednesday, however up to 85 mm may be possible in a few localized areas.

Residents are reminded that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

Meantime, officials say smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

ECCC notes, wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Continue to take actions to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Officials are asking residents to stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms.

Take a break from the smoke by temporarily relocating or finding a location in your community with clean, cool air such as a library, shopping mall or community centre. Contact your local health or municipal authorities for more information.

If you must spend time outdoors, Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.

Be aware of your mental health. It is normal to feel anxious or isolated during a smoke event. If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or click here.

For more information please visit Alberta Health Services here.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.