According to Environment Canada being outside this weekend could be hazardous.

They have placed the city’s air quality at a high risk level and advise children and the elderly take it easy.

“Because of the outdoor air quality being what it is we are recommending people with those high risk medical conditions really reduce their activity outside,” Alberta Health Services medical officer Dr. Chris Sikora said.

Those in the general population have also been advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outside, especially if symptoms like coughing and throat irritation have been experienced.

“Even for the general population who don’t have any medical conditions they can get a cough, a tickle in the throat, even scratchy eyes. So in times where the outdoor air quality is quite poor we are also recommending they consider reducing their strenuous activities.”

It is that advice that caused an Edmonton-area personal trainer to cancel her outdoor class on Saturday.

“It is a pretty in-your-face boot camp. It is pretty strenuous and we figured it was just best to be safe for everyone to cancel the boot camp,” Natasha Guindon explained.

But other Edmontonians continued with their workouts despite the warnings.

Brendan Brown said he had noticed his workout was a bit more difficult.

“I thought I was getting out of shape but no I think it is definitely the smoke because other people have been complaining too.”

Stephen Andrews said he too found the morning a little tougher.

“It definitely does seem to be a little tougher on the lungs forsure.”

Dr. Sikora also said people needed to watch for signs of heat stroke.

“So, if people are getting quiet disorientated, nauseous get them immediately out of the sun, out of the hot environment – into the shade, into a cooler environment and start rehydration.”

Alberta Health Services issued a heat advisory on Friday.

People in the Edmonton Zone have been advised to take precautions against the potentially harmful effects of the sun:

  • Consider putting off outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day
  • Take breaks from the heat, spend time indoors at cooled public buildings like malls and indoor pools
  • Drink water and non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated
  • Don’t leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, and apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside. Ensure sunscreen includes protection from UVA and UVB rays, and reapply often
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover skin

Both the AHS advisory and the air quality forecast were expected to improve by Sunday.

With files from Amanda Anderson