Alberta and British Columbia (B.C.) are not expected to receive immediate relief from the wildfires, according to Geoff Coulson, a meteorologist from Environment Canada.
The upcoming forecast indicates that there will be no significant precipitation, which is unfavorable news for the harvest areas in central and northern Alberta, as well as parts of central and northern Saskatchewan.
A cold front is expected to move through northern Alberta later today, but it is not anticipated to bring much rainfall.
Instead, it could potentially trigger new fire activity, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The same cold front is predicted to move through central and northern Saskatchewan tomorrow, posing similar concerns.
When asked how this dry and hot condition can affect wildfire activity, Coulson explained that these already adverse conditions combined with the absence of precipitation can result in additional fires being ignited by lightning strikes on the ground.
Additionally, the shifting winds accompanying the cold front’s passage through Alberta and Saskatchewan could spread the smoke further south, affecting areas such as Calgary and southern Saskatchewan.
Coulson emphasized that the current situation is exceptionally normal for this time of year, with numerous temperature records being broken.
British Columbia also experienced record-breaking temperatures over the weekend, along with increased fire activity and air quality concerns in northeastern regions.
The meteorologist further highlighted that temperatures have been significantly higher than the long-term average, with some areas reaching temperatures about 50 degrees Celsius above normal.
Although there might be a slight relief in temperatures due to the cold front, Alberta and Saskatchewan are still expected to have warmer-than-normal temperatures throughout the week.
Unfortunately, the longer-range forecast for the upcoming weekend suggests a return to high temperatures in both provinces.
Coulson concluded by stating that Environment Canada will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates.
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