Yellow Air Quality Warning in Effect Across Parts of Alberta and British Columbia
Published: June 30, 2026
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued Yellow Air Quality Warnings for several communities across Alberta and southeastern British Columbia as wildfire smoke continues to reduce air quality and visibility.
Communities affected include:
- Red Deer
- Calgary
- Airdrie
- Carstairs
- Nanton
- Golden, British Columbia
Smoke drifting from large wildfires burning across northern Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories is contributing to deteriorating air quality across the region. Conditions may fluctuate throughout the day as wind patterns shift, causing periods of heavier smoke and reduced visibility.
Current Conditions
The Yellow Air Quality Warning indicates that wildfire smoke may pose health risks, especially for sensitive individuals.
Recent Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) observations include:
- Calgary: Moderate Risk (AQHI 5), with High Risk conditions forecast overnight.
- Red Deer: Currently Low Risk (AQHI 3), but Moderate Risk conditions are expected overnight as smoke concentrations increase.
Air quality can change rapidly depending on wildfire activity and local wind conditions.
Health Impacts
Wildfire smoke contains tiny fine particles that can affect everyone, even healthy adults.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning eyes
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced visibility
People most at risk include:
- Seniors
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with asthma or COPD
- Individuals with heart disease
- Outdoor workers
Safety Recommendations
Residents should consider the following precautions while smoke remains in the area:
- Limit prolonged outdoor activities.
- Keep doors and windows closed when smoke is heavy.
- Use a portable HEPA air purifier if available.
- Operate HVAC systems on recirculation mode.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if extended outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
- Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult.
Travel Conditions
Smoke may significantly reduce visibility along portions of:
- Highway 2
- Highway 22
- Highway 1
- Highway 2A
- Trans-Canada Highway near Golden
Motorists should:
- Slow down during smoky conditions.
- Increase following distance.
- Use headlights when visibility is reduced.
- Check local road conditions before traveling.
Forecast
ECCC expects wildfire smoke to continue moving across portions of southern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia through the next several days. Air quality may improve temporarily before deteriorating again as smoke plumes shift with changing weather patterns. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and air quality updates.
Essential Preparedness Items
Consider keeping these items available during prolonged smoke events:
- HEPA Air Purifier
- N95 Respirator Masks
- Extra HVAC Air Filters
- Portable Air Quality Monitor
- Bottled Drinking Water
- Saline Eye Drops
- Emergency Medication Refills
- Battery Bank or Portable Power Station
- Weather Alert Radio
Radar Watch HQ Final Thoughts
Wildfire smoke can change air quality quickly, even in areas that appear clear earlier in the day. Residents of Red Deer, Calgary, Airdrie, Carstairs, Nanton, and Golden should remain aware of changing conditions, reduce outdoor exposure when smoke is heavy, and continue following updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
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🛒 Radar Watch HQ Picks: Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke Essentials
Help protect yourself and your family during poor air quality events with these recommended preparedness items.
- 🌬️ HEPA Air Purifier for Home
- 😷 N95 Respirator Masks (NIOSH Approved)
- 📟 Portable Air Quality Monitor
- 🔋 Portable Power Station
- 📻 NOAA Weather Alert Radio
- 🥤 Insulated Water Bottle
- 🌡️ Indoor Temperature & Air Quality Monitor
- 🪟 HVAC HEPA Replacement Air Filters
- 🧤 Work Gloves for Emergency Cleanup
- 🔥 Fire-Resistant Document Bag
Why We Recommend These
These products can help improve indoor air quality, prepare your home for wildfire smoke, maintain communication during emergencies, and provide essential supplies if conditions worsen.
