Edmonton area sees poor air quality as wildfire smoke hangs over the city

An aerial view of the Alberta legislature in downtown Edmonton June 9, 2025. (Cam Wiebe / CTV News Edmonton)

A haze of wildfire smoke is lingering over the Edmonton region, prompting an air quality warning from Environment Canada.

As of Monday afternoon, the city’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) sat at “moderate risk,” where it is advised that at-risk folks consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if they are experiencing symptoms.

Those at risk of experiencing symptoms due to poor air quality are seniors, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, those involved in strenuous outdoor exercise, and people with an existing illness or chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer, or lung and heart disease.

Symptoms include irritated eyes, increased mucus production in the nose or throat, coughing, or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise.

Environment Canada is forecasting a moderate AQHI through till at least Tuesday night.