An Air Quality Advisory is Active in Much of Southern Alberta… But For How Long?

Total Fine Particulate Matter PM2.5 - 72h Hourly Maps at Ground Level Source: Environment Canada

Wildfire smoke from B.C, the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta have triggered  yellow and orange-level air quality advisories across the province. Environment and Climate Change Canada says the wildfire smoke can pose health risks and reduced visibility.

Calgary is forecasted to be a 6 on Environment Canada’s air quality index, which presents a moderate risk, but as of 9am this morning, it currently sits at a 4, on the lower end of the moderate risk scale, but places like Airdrie, Cold Lake, and Red Deer are all 8 or higher, and increases the further north you go.

Calgary and area are also forecasted a thunderstorm this evening, and sometimes if smoke is in the light to moderate range, it can improve certain storm processes, as the water vapor clings on to the fine ash particles and rises upwards.

As the air carries the northern smoke away however, smoke from an ongoing level 3 wildfire in Kaiser Canyon in U.S could potentially creep into much of southern Alberta.