It was hot and hazy across much of the Lakeland to start the weekend.
Environment Canada has issued air quality advisories for much of the Lakeland region, as smoke mainly from forest fires in the central British Columbia moves overhead.
In the Lac La Biche area, families were at the Paul Richard Memorial Splash Park on the Lac La Biche lakeshore, but couldn't enjoy much of the lakeside views as smoke completely obscured the water to the north.
On Saturday night, Alberta's Air Quality Health Index was showing the Lac La Biche region with a 9 out of 10 for poor air quality, Cold Lake was at 8 while the Bonnyvlle and St. Paul areas were at 6. Overnight, air quality in the Lac La Biche and Cold Lake areas is expected to worse to a 10+ level. At those levels, Alberta's health officials urge residents to remain indoors if they can and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Residents with respiratory-related health conditions are advised to remain indoors until air quality levels improve.
Temperatures are expected to remain high for the next few days into the middle of next week. Smoke advisories are expected to remain in place as well.