Edmonton extends poor air quality response due to wildfire smoke, activates heat response
Posted Jul 22, 2026 10:19 am.
Last Updated Jul 22, 2026 12:42 pm.
The City of Edmonton is putting measures in place to respond to the heat and poor air quality in the city.
The poor air quality response, which was activated Monday, has been extended until Thursday at 9 a.m. “based on updated weather forecasts.”
Edmonton’s Air Quality Health Index is hovering around six and seven, with wildfire smoke from northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories drifting into Alberta.
“Poor air quality and reduced visibility in wildfire smoke continues,” Environment Canada wrote in its yellow-coded warning. “There will be improvement in the smoky conditions today or Thursday.
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can change rapidly over short distances and from hour to hour.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”
The response aims to keep vulnerable people safe during periods of high-risk conditions. City facilities like libraries will be open to provide a space for people to escape from the smoky conditions.
Meanwhile the City of Edmonton also activated its extreme heat weather response. It’s expected to end Saturday at 9 a.m.
During the extreme heat response, access to 29 water stations attached to fire hydrants across the city will be available 24 hours a day.
What’s more, all peace officers will carry water bottles for distribution to vulnerable people; and anyone needing a break from the heat can use city facilities like libraries, pools and recreation centres.
Edmonton activates its extreme heat response when the forecast is anticipated to have daytime temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius or higher for at least three days in a row.
