Wildfire smoke blankets the region, prompting widespread air quality warnings

Wildfire smoke causing poor visibility on Alberta roads on Sep. 2, 2025 (Courtesy: 511 Alberta).

The smell of wildfire smoke was strong early Tuesday morning and smoke was so thick it was compromising visibility around the Calgary region.

As of 6 a.m., a large portion of Alberta was under an air quality warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

Portions of Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories were also under that warning, with air quality statements issued for portions of British Columbia.

According to the national weather agency, those most at risk during smoke events include “people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors.”

However, ECCC notes during “heavy smoke conditions everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.”

As of 7:30 a.m., the air quality health index in Calgary was a 10+ or very high risk which is the highest rating on that scale.

Smoke was visible on both the 511 Alberta traffic cameras and on the Calgary.ca traffic cameras throughout the morning.

A northwest to southeasterly flow in the upper patterns will be in place for most of the day, meaning smoke will continue to be picked up from wildfires in N.W.T., the northern portions of Alberta and B.C.

It will be pulled toward the southern borders of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Daytime highs in Alberta – outside of the northern Rockies – will be slightly cooler on Tuesday, but still slightly above seasonal in Calgary.

A shift to a more west to east pattern on Wednesday will bring both some reprieve from the smoke but also an increase in temperatures.

Calgary’s high on Wednesday is forecast to reach 30 C before dropping down to 19 C on Thursday.