Between dry conditions and summer storms, we could certainly see more wildfires spark up.

Chris Wielki, Meteorologist with Environment Canada says the perfect storm is upon us. "It is very dry in Alberta right now which creates the ideal conditions for fires, and we are still early in the summer as well. In the last few years, there has been quite a few smoke and fire events, like Fort McMurray and Slave Lake in recent memory, the last few seasons have been quite busy as far as smoke and air quality is concerned. We are also starting to move into thunderstorm season, thunderstorms usually peak in July, however, we are starting to approach the time when we'll often get thunderstorms developing off the foothills when the conditions are right."

When it comes to smoky, hazy skies like we saw late last week, Wielki shares it is important to pay attention to the air quality statements that are released. "Monitor what the air quality is; there are air quality forecasts available as well, probably the closest to Cochrane is Calgary or Airdrie. So monitor the forecast and what the current conditions are when there is poor air quality reported."

Smoky circumstances can not only affect visibility on the surface but there can be smoke aloft as well. "In a lot of cases with fairly extensive smoke some of the radiation of the sun will be slightly reduced, and you can see that in the temperatures."

While you don't want to forget your sunscreen even under a hazy sky, the biggest risk for residents is just being outdoors when air quality is compromised. "The air quality is a big hazard. The best is to stay inside, keep your windows closed and stay out of the smoke as best you can."

While Wielki can't predict if conditions, like we have seen in the past few years, are becoming Alberta's new norm, with no significant rainfall on the horizon other than a few a thunderstorms, Wielki shares the conditions are ripe right now. "In the short term it has been dry, and it looks like it will continue to be dry for the short range."